Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olumide Akpata has been elected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
Akpata emerged victorious at the party’s primary election held in Benin on Friday, February 23, polling 316 votes to defeat other aspirants.
His closest rivals were Kenneth Imansuangbon and Prof. Sunday Eromosele who garnered 7 votes each, while Sergius Ogun secured 4 votes.
The primary was conducted by the Abia State Deputy Governor Emechulu Ikechukwu who served as the Chief Returning Officer. After declaring Akpata the winner, Ikechukwu commended the aspirants for exhibiting sportsmanship and urged the candidate to carry others along in his campaign.
In his acceptance speech, Akpata pledged to provide good governance if elected as the next governor of Edo State.
The Labour Party primary took place amidst the party’s growing political prominence following their strong performance in the 2023 general elections where they made significant gains across several states.
As a former President of the prestigious Nigerian Bar Association, Akpata brings substantial legal experience and clout to the Labour Party’s gubernatorial ticket in Edo.
Political analysts view his candidacy as a boost for the party looking to consolidate its recent voter support in the opposition stronghold of Edo State.
However, Akpata faces a formidable challenge against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the yet-to-be-announced candidates of other major parties.
The months ahead will test if the Labour Party can effectively channelize its recent momentum into a serious bid to capture the governorship of the key southwestern state.
