FORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olumide Akpata, yesterday won the governorship primaries of the Labour Party, LP, in Edo State, DDM News can authoritatively report. Akpata polled 316 votes to beat his other contenders with a wide margin. His closest challengers, Mr. Ken Imasuangbon, popularly known as ‘Rice Man’, and Professor Sunny Eromosele scored seven votes each. Sergius Ògún had four votes, Mr. Earnest Àyègbè scored three votes while Paul Iseghohi withdrew from the race.
While thanking the aspirants for showing the spirit of sportsmanship, the Chief Returning Officer of the election and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Emechulu Ikecbukwu, noted that the party represents truth, hard work and transparency and encouraged the candidate to carry other aspirants along.
In his acceptance speech, Akpata paid tribute to the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who he described as “my predecessor, elder brother and mentor,” promising to follow the late governor’s ideals, if elected governor.
He also assured members of the party that he would unite the LP ahead of the September 21 election, and solicited their support to make the dream of the LP occupying the Edo State Government House a reality.
