Edo guber: I’m funding my campaign … I don’t have any Godfather, says Akpata

• Akpata said if elected, he would start with electricity agriculture, education and healthcare. He said he would call for private-public partnerships to set up power plants around the state.
• The former NBA president expressed optimism that he would defeat Ighodalo and Okpebholo at the poll despite that they are backed by Obaseki and former governor Adams Oshiomhole respectively.

The Edo Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata, has denied receiving financial support from incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.

During his appearance on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” programme, Akpata emphasized his independence, adding that he is accountable solely to the citizens of Edo State, not to any political benefactors.

“Firstly, I am really flattered by the fact that there is so much attention focused on me. That means I am doing something very good and right,” he said.

“As I said on another channel, ‘Na tree wey get stone dem dey stone’. Nobody will come up to you if you have nothing to offer.

“Initially, I was said to be the agent of Governor Obaseki, we were able to debunk that. Today, I was said to be sponsored by the APC. I think it is a conspiracy theorising that is most stupid.

“Who is funding me? I don’t want to appear to be ducking any questions. I am funding myself, and I have friends.

“You know the popular saying that your network is your net worth. I have friends who believe in me and in this course. I have people from Edo State who believe we can do much better.

“With them working with me, we have been able to get the kind of funding that we require. Which general goes to war without first counting the costs?

“So we have taken into consideration all that is required for this race and I assure you, we are going to win.

“Those who are hoping and praying we run out of steam have something else coming for them.

“I have no strings attached. I am not answerable to any godfather. I am not answerable to any political benefactor.

“That is one reason Edo people can trust the Labour Party government because we are answerable to the people.”