A faction within the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, known as the Shine Your Eyes Group (SYEG), has criticized Olumide Akpata's candidacy for the upcoming September 21 governorship election. The group highlighted potential disqualification due to allegations in suits filed at the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Benin by Kenneth Imansuangbon, a lawyer and philanthropist, who is also a governorship aspirant within the LP.
In a statement released by SYEG Chairman Comrade Jonah Ifada and Secretary Osagie Omoregie, the group expressed concerns over Akpata's candidacy. Despite Akpata's recent inauguration of his Governorship Campaign Council in Benin, which includes notable personalities and is headed by Bishop Sam Omede, SYEG insists that Akpata should focus on addressing the legal challenges posed by Imansuangbon.
SYEG claims Imansuangbon, popularly known as "Rice Man" for his charitable distribution of rice to Edo residents, is the rightful candidate to lead LP to victory. The group commended Imansuangbon's efforts to challenge Akpata's candidacy in court, arguing that he has demonstrated consistent support for the poor and made significant contributions to the community over the past 15 years.
The group further criticized Akpata's lack of engagement with Edo residents, contrasting it with Imansuangbon's extensive charity work, including the distribution of over one million bags of rice, iPads, laptops to students, and paying medical bills for the sick.
SYEG also noted that it is not the turn of Edo South Senatorial District to produce the governor, given that the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, hails from that district and is completing his second term. They pointed out that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have zoned their governorship candidacies to Edo Central for reasons of fairness and equity.
Additionally, SYEG accused LP of manipulating the primary election results, allocating only seven votes to Imansuangbon despite his extensive campaign across all 192 wards in Edo State. The group challenged Akpata and his legal team to prepare for the impending court battles with Imansuangbon, whom they described as a grassroots politician committed to justice and fairness in the electoral process.
