Video: The Deception and Bullying: Tactics of the PDP in Edo State; Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata in the Crosshairs.

Recent rumors and claims that Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, the Edo State gubernatorial candidate, is not of Benin lineage are unfounded and misleading.

Akpata’s father, Osaigbovo Akpata, hails from the Ogbebor N Usen family, a prominent Bini lineage known for its rich history and contributions to Benin culture.

His mother also has a deep connection to Benin.

On his maternal side, Olumide Akpata’s great grandfather, Obasohan, was a prominent Bini man from the Ize-Iyamu Bazuwaye family, known for their contributions to Benin politics and administration

His great grandmother was also Bini, from the Ero family, one of the ancient royal families of Benin.

This rich heritage has been passed down to Olumide Akpata, making him a true embodiment of Bini and Yoruba culture.

NOW CLARIFICATION OF OLUMIDE VISITATION TO THE PALACE

The statement made by the Oba of Benin during Olumide Akpata's visit to the palace was a powerful reminder that lineage alone does not guarantee a person’s status or identity in Bini society.

While Akpata’s lineage is impressive and a testament to his deep connection to Benin, the Oba’s correction clarified that not all those with Bini heritage can claim to be "children of the palace," a title that is reserved for members of the royal family.

This exchange highlights the importance of humility and respect in Bini culture, and Akpata's graceful acceptance of the Oba’s correction demonstrates his understanding and respect for these values.

While some may have interpreted the Oba’s words as a snub or a slight against Akpata, the Oba's statements were more likely intended to maintain the integrity of the royal family and to emphasize the separation of politics and monarchy in Bini society.

In many ways, Olumide Akpata’s encounter with the Oba illustrates the complexities and nuances of Bini culture and politics.

Bini society is built on a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and respect for hierarchy, and navigating these complexities requires a deep understanding of the intricacies of Bini politics and culture.

While Akpata may not be a "child of the palace" in the strictest sense, his visit to the palace was a powerful gesture of respect and a recognition of the importance of Bini culture and tradition in Edo State.

As Olumide Akpata continues his campaign for the governorship of Edo State, he will need to draw on his deep understanding of Bini culture and politics to appeal to the diverse constituencies in the state.

His candidacy represents an opportunity for Edo State to embrace a leader who not only understands the complexities of Bini society but also embodies the rich heritage and traditions that make the state unique.

The actions of the PDP campaign team in twisting the story of Olumide Akpata's visit to the Oba of Benin and disseminating misleading headlines are deeply concerning and harmful to the democratic process in Edo State.

By creating clickbait headlines and misrepresenting the facts of Akpata’s encounter with the Oba, the PDP campaign team is engaging in a cynical and deceptive form of political marketing that prioritizes attention-grabbing headlines over the truth.

This type of behavior undermines the trust and credibility of the democratic process, as it seeks to manipulate public opinion and sway voters through deception and falsehoods.

Moreover, by spreading misinformation and distorting the facts, the PDP campaign team is contributing to a growing problem of fake news and disinformation in Nigerian politics.

This kind of approach to campaigning is irresponsible and ultimately detrimental to the health of the democratic process.

By engaging in such deceptive and irresponsible tactics, the PDP campaign team is demonstrating that they do not know how to play the role of an opposition party in Nigerian politics.

Opposition parties have a crucial role to play in holding the ruling party accountable and promoting alternative visions for the country.

However, rather than focusing on constructive criticism and meaningful policy proposals, the PDP campaign team is resorting to cheap tricks and misinformation to gain traction in the polls.

Moreover, the PDP’s approach to opposition politics is ultimately self-defeating.

By engaging in deception and misinformation, the party is alienating potential voters who value honesty and transparency in politics.

In a country where trust in government and political institutions is already low, this kind of behavior only serves to further erode public confidence in the democratic process.

The PDP campaign team must learn that the way to gain the support of the people is not through deception and fake news, but through a commitment to truth and a focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Edo State.

Indeed, the Bini people have a rich history and culture, and their language is filled with idioms and expressions that reflect their unique identity and heritage.

For example, the expression "Iwebo ni ile, ese ni oba" (literally translated as "the oba is the road; the oba is the bridge"), reflects the centrality of the Oba of Benin in Bini culture and society.

These idioms and expressions highlight the complex and interconnected nature of Bini society, where family lineage, social hierarchy, and the centrality of the Oba all play important roles.

In conclusion, the PDP’s attacks on Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata's identity and heritage are part of a pattern of bullying and misinformation that the party has engaged in.

While the PDP claims that Akpata is not Bini, his deep family connections and lineage in Bini society tell a different story.

Furthermore, the PDP has also been known to engage in other bullying tactics, such as:

       1. Attempting to undermine Akpata’s credibility as a lawyer and politician through false allegations and smear campaigns.

      2. Disseminating false information about Akpata’s policies and positions to create confusion and uncertainty among voters.

    3.   Promoting divisive rhetoric and tribalism to sow discord and division among Edo State's diverse communities.

    4.   Harassing and intimidating Akpata's supporters and allies to discourage them from voicing their opinions through Social Media platforms.

These tactics are not only unethical and harmful to the democratic process, but also undermine the very principles of tolerance, respect, and unity that are essential for a healthy and thriving society.

I’m Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise Known as Ultimate Equal, President One Love Foundation