Former National President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has emerged as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Edo State.
Akpata defeated other aspirants in the party’s primary election conducted on Friday.
The ex-NBA boss scored 316 votes to win the exercise held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emeta declared Akpata the winner of the election.
Emeta said, “I hereby declare as follows: Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, having scored the highest number of votes and certified the provisions of the constitution of the party, is hereby declared the winner and the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party for the Edo State governorship election 2024,” Emeta who is also the chief returning officer for the election, said.
Following his victory, Akpata paid tribute to a former governor of Ondo State and NBA president, Rotimi Akeredolu, who was buried on the same day.
He also appreciated his supporters and members of the party for their support, promising to work for the good of the state if he wins the governorship election slated for September.