Ex-NBA President Declares Interest In Edo Governorship Race Under LP; Gives Reasons

By Babatunde Solanke

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Olumide Akpata, on Thursday, has announced his intention to run for Edo State governorship election slated for next year under the umbrella of Labour Party (LP).

Akpata, who not long ago joined party, said he joined the race in the interest of the people, describing the Labour Party as the only people-oriented political party.

According to the lawyer-turned-politician said that if given the opportunity to fly the flag of LP, he would change the narrative and ensure that the people enjoy the benefit of democracy.

 “My interest is for the people of Edo State. And what I find out in politics and governance in Nigeria today is that the people have been taken out of the equation. No one cares about the people.

“So, when I look around, the only party I find to be people-oriented and to be interested in the lots of our people is the Labour Party. So, I have come here to express my interest in contesting the position of the governor and to carry the people along.”

Akpata promised to take the LP to greater heights if he emerged as the candidate of LP in the primary.

In his response, the state chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi, said the State Working Committee of the party had agreed to allow him to run, promising a level playing ground for all aspirants.