LP Candidate, Akpata Accuses PDP Of Vandalizing His Billboards

Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has alleged that Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were behind the destruction of his campaign billboards in the Benin metropolis.
At a press conference in Benin City, Akpata said you cannot rule out the fact that some persons in the state are taking advantage of the impasse rocking the party to perpetrate what he tagged as “heinous crime,” saying, “We (LP) are being targeted, and we must resist it.”
Akpata alleged that the Obaseki-led PDP in the state colluded with some LGA chairmen in two local government councils to destroy his campaign materials and billboards.
Claiming that the PDP was not comfortable with his campaign billboards’ visibility in the state, Akpata said LP members and supporters have been alerted to secure all its billboards to put to an end to the “criminal and barbaric acts.”
Akpata said, “In Oredo Local Government Area, two of my billboards were viciously vandalised, defaced, and ultimately torn down, with explicit threats of more removals to come. The situation is equally dire and unacceptable in Ovia North-East, where two more billboards bearing my visage and campaign messages were mindlessly destroyed by these merchants of antidemocratic forces. In Ikpoba Okha, my campaign team has received unambiguous threats that our billboards in that area will also be targeted for elimination.
“Let me be absolutely crystal clear: these are not the actions of a democratic government to secure in its mandate, popular goodwill, and record of accomplishments in office. No! These are the desperate, last-ditch tactics of an intolerant regime terrified of the winds of change blowing across our dear state – a regime paralysed by the fear of the people’s burgeoning yearning for a new direction, a new vision, and a new era of progressive and inclusive governance.
“By resorting to the unbridled destruction of my campaign materials – materials that I have legally and legitimately paid for with hard-earned resources – Governor Obaseki and his handlers have clearly shown themselves to be anti-democratic forces intolerant of divergent voices, dissenting opinions, and the fundamental principles of pluralism that undergird any true democracy worth the name.”
Reacting to the allegations, the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, condemned any form of vandalism and urged all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.
“While we understand Mr. Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes. Threats of violence or disobedience have no place in our democratic process, and all parties should conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the law.
“It is essential that we focus on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than resorting to tactics that may incite division or unrest. The government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will address any disruptive behavior, regardless of one’s status or affiliation,” he added.