LP Guber Candidate, Akpata Hits PDP's Ighodalo Hard...Says Edo Government House Not Retirement Home

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By Reporter

Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has taken a swipe at Mr. Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), inferring to him as a retiree.

Akpata who is also a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA also said he has everything to match Ighodalo “pound for pound.”

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, LP Edo Governorship Candidate

He spoke during an interview program on ITV Benin City on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

“The candidate of PDP is a barrister, he done has well too as an individual, you too, you were one time NBA president, you have also done well. If we want to put the two of you in front of the horse, do you think you have the capacity to outdo what the present government has done?

“And do you think among other candidates, across party lines, the All Progressives Congress, APC’ Monday Okpeholo, he is a businessman, we have other candidates.

“Do you think you have the capacity to outshine some of these candidates?” The ITV interviewer asked.

“If I did not think so, I will not be in the race. I think am the best man for the job. And you mentioned my senior friend, colleague Asue Ighodalo who is the candidate of the PDP.

“Yes, Yes, he is a lawyer, a very senior one at that,” Akpata responded.

“And he seems to be a heavy weight, why aren’t you scared?” The reporter interjected.

In disagreement, the LP candidate chipped in: “When you use the word heavy weight and you look at me, am wondering what you mean by size. If it’s by size, let’s go on a scale and find out who is heavier.

“But seriously, speaking, for all intents and purposes, pound for pound, there is really nothing Asue Ighodalo can put on the table that I cannot.”

He added that they are both lawyers, but reminded viewers that he was President of lawyers over Ighodalo. “He is a lawyer, yes, I was President of the Bar. I was his President, he is running a law firm, I have done the same thing, so I don’t really want to bother myself with our respective antecedents. I leave that to the electorates to judge.”

He insisted that there was no shaking. “You must also look at the issue of energy, youth. That particular candidate (Asue) is middle 60s, knocking on 70.

“I am not so sure it’s fair to the people. As far as I am concerned, the government house, Edo State Government House is not a retirement home.”

Why reiterating that he is the best man to be elected as governor, Akpata added: “When you ask me what do I think I have that will put me in better stead than other people in the race, I am youthful right energy, I am in touch with that demography the people who are referred to as the future of the country.”