Abia State Governor Alex Otti, on Thursday, endorsed his party member, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party on the forthcoming Edo governorship election on September 21, 2024.
Speaking in Igbo, Otti stated that the Labour Party will rely on its voter base rather than electoral violence.
“Though the party may not have the guns and ammunition to win the election, we have the voters to deliver our chosen candidate for the people of the state,” he stated.
He encouraged Edo State residents to protect their votes and ensure a clean and fair election.
Otti drew on his experience in Abia State to illustrate his point, saying, “This election will make a difference in Edo State. It is an election for the people.
“So, the charge I want to give you is that when you vote on that day, remain at your polling booth and do not leave. That is how we did it in Abia State. For 48 to 72 hours, nobody sleeps.”
He further stressed the importance of vigilance: “I used to tell our people that we have a saying, ‘The rat does not eat something when the owner is awake.’
“So, you should not sleep. If it is about the votes, we will have the votes; if it is about winning, we will win. We will not allow any rat to steal our victory.”
In response, Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata welcomed Otti’s endorsement, noting the significance of his support not just for party members but for all voters.
