BREAKING: Former NBA president, Olumide Akpata wins Edo LP guber primary

Olumide Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has secured the Labour Party (LP) ticket for the gubernatorial election in Edo State scheduled for September 2024. The election, which took place in Benin City on Friday, saw Akpata emerging victorious with 316 votes.

The declaration of Akpata as the winner was made by Ikechukwu Emeta, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, who also served as the chief returning officer for the election. Emeta announced, “Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, having scored the highest number of votes and met the constitutional requirements of the party, is hereby declared the winner and the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party for the Edo State governorship election 2024.”

Expressing gratitude, Akpata acknowledged the support of his backers and party members, promising to prioritize the well-being of the state if successful in the forthcoming election. His victory follows his earlier declaration of interest in the Edo State governorship race under the Labour Party.

Months prior, in October, Akpata formally declared his candidacy at the Edo LP secretariat in Benin City, emphasizing his commitment to the people of Edo State and his belief in the people-oriented approach of the Labour Party.

Akpata, a 51-year-old corporate lawyer, had resigned from the law firm Templars in August, where he served as a senior partner. The firm issued a statement announcing his departure, citing his decision to engage in active politics and contribute to nation-building as the reason for his resignation.

In August, Akpata had joined the Labour Party, expressing his desire to actively participate in Nigeria’s political process. Reflecting on his decision, he stated, “I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate, and I decided to take the plunge and try to be part of the solution rather than agonizing continually over the problem.” He considered this move as the beginning of an important journey and expressed his hope to contribute positively to the nation.