Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has advised the Edo electorate to avoid voting for the Labour Party in the September 21 governorship election. He took to social media to share his reasons, writing, “Edo State, Please Vote For Any Party But Labour on Saturday, September 21, 2024.”
Omokri cited the example of Abia State, the only Labour Party-run state in Nigeria, which recently celebrated building its first modern bus stop. He questioned, “Who in their right mind celebrates a bus stop in 2024?” He contrasted this with Edo State, which had modern bus stops fifty-eight years ago.
He also highlighted the issue of minimum wage payment, noting that Edo State began paying ₦70,000 in May 2024, while Abia State is struggling to pay the old minimum wage of ₦30,000 and owes salaries.
Omokri criticized the Labour Party itself, describing it as “in shambles” and “factionalised.” He pointed out that neither Peter Obi nor Alex Otti is in control, and the party has two national chairpersons. He quoted Peter Obi as saying only the Independent National Electoral Commission can determine the authentic chairperson.
Omokri also raised concerns about transparency in accounting for funds donated to the party, citing accusations and counter-accusations. He noted that the party’s accounts are more opaque than the government’s finances.
He warned the Edo electorate that voting for the Labour Party would mean “backwardness, division, low wages, and opaque finances.” He also criticized Peter Obi for his perceived hypocrisy, noting that he began flying private jets during and after the campaigns despite previously saying he would never do so.
Omokri concluded by urging the Edo electorate to consider the consequences of voting for the Labour Party, recalling how Peter Obi and the party responded when some individuals insulted the Oba of Benin. He advised, “Vote for Labour and Edo may be the next ‘no man’s land’… Yes, Edo no be Lagos. But it is better for Edo to look like Lagos than to resemble Abia!”
