Olumide Akpata, former national chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has secured the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidacy for the upcoming Edo State election.

Akpata emerged victorious in the primary election held in Benin City, Edo’s capital, garnering 316 votes to claim a decisive win over other contenders.

The announcement was made by Ikechukwu Emeta, the deputy governor of Abia and chief returning officer for the election, who declared Akpata as the winner in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“I hereby declare Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata as the winner and the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party for the Edo State governorship election 2024,” stated Emeta.

Akpata’s successful bid for the LP ticket positions him as a prominent candidate for the governorship race in September, signaling potential shifts in Edo’s political landscape.