According to the report from the Vanguard, A pressure group within the Edo State Labour Party, known as Shine Your Eyes Group (SYEG), recently expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State for demonstrating a commitment to fairness and equity in their selection of the APC governorship candidate from Edo Central and the running mate from Edo South.
In a statement released by its Chairman, Mr. Jonah Ifada, and Secretary, Osagie Omoregie, the group criticized the Labour Party for deviating from the principles of fairness, equity, and justice by nominating a candidate from Edo South in what they described as "a skewed primary."
The statement from SYEG was prompted by a news report from the Benin Youth Council (BYC) on Wednesday, which urged Mr. Ken Imansuangbon to set aside his differences and collaborate with the Labour Party’s Governorship Candidate, Olumide Akpata, for the upcoming governorship election.
SYEG suggested that Akpata should step aside for the "more popular Imansuangbon" to avoid embarrassment during the September election, emphasizing that it is not yet the turn of Edo South to produce a governor.
"It is commendable to see President Tinubu and the APC leadership in Edo State adhering to the principles of fairness, equity, and justice, which are essential for development, similar to what the PDP has done. The Labour Party should have followed the lead of the APC," noted the statement from SYEG.
Questioning Akpata's popularity compared to seasoned politicians like Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, General Charles Airhiabvere, and others who have dropped their ambitions in support of zoning, SYEG urged Akpata to step down in favor of Imansuangbon to prevent the Labour Party from facing embarrassment.
"Imansuangbon is determined to see this through," the statement added, referencing Imansuangbon’s legal challenge against Akpata's emergence as the LP candidate. In his petition, Imansuangbon alleged various offenses on Akpata's part, including providing false information and acquiring citizenship of another country.