Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate for the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has deflected criticisms over his support for the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the September 21 Edo election, Barr Olumide Akpata.

A statement Issued this Thursday afternoon by Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) dismissed accusations of hypocrisy, explaining that Obi’s support for Akpata “is based on democratic principles.”

According to the statement signed by POMR Spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, “The campaigning by Obi for the Labour Party flag bearer in the upcoming Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state has effectively changed the narrative in the state and is leading opponents to the mischief of trying to divert attention from the issues.

“Obi’s adversaries have, instead of focusing on the issues that drive the election, are trying to change the conversation by attacking Obi for supporting his party candidate that he found suitable for the job.

“They anchored their criticism on Obi supporting Bar Akpata because his zone is not supposed to produce the next governor, and that Obi is going against his long-standing principles on power rotation.

“But what they failed to understand is that Obi’s stand on zoning remains, but the Labour Party in Edo even under the leadership of an Edo State indigene then did not zone their gubernatorial seat to any area in particular, and delegates that elected Akpata were strictly only Edo people from all the local government areas, including Edo central because they found him suited for their desires for the state.”

POMR explained that “Obi does not trade competence and reputation for zoning, and as a Democrat, he will always respect the position of the majority, especially if it’s anchored on the track record of the candidate.”

It further said: “Akpata, by his age and antecedents, appeals to the youths as having the energy and mentality for the job.

“In all his campaigns in Edo, in his characteristic manner, Obi did not indulge in name-calling but concentrated his messages on issues that are needed to take Edo State and Nigeria forward and found the LP candidate a square peg in a square hole.

“The Labour Party delegates in Edo state found Bar Akpata their best option for the contest, and Obi, as a true democrat in his usual way of non-interference, decided to support their choice respecting the peculiarities of every state.

“POMR knew that the needless attack on Obi was just to distract attention from the issue that is driving the Edo state gubernatorial election, which places the Labour Party flag bearer in a good stand.

“Our advice for those bitter that Obi is campaigning for his party flag bearer is to leave the people of the state to decide who their next governor will be not to focus attention on mundane things.

“Our principal’s wish, as always, is to urge all critical stakeholders involved in the conduct of Saturday’s election, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security operatives, to ensure a level playing ground in such a way that the world will see that Edo voters and not any other variables prevail in the end.”