Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Olumide Akpata has emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Akpata defeated other aspirants in the shadow election held in Benin City on Friday.
Akpata scored 316 votes to win the exercise held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Friday.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State Ikechukwu Emeta declared Akpata as the winner of the election.
“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.
Earlier on Thursday, Prince Tom Iseghohi withdrew from the race, citing lack of transparency as reason behind his decision.
In a letter to the National Party Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, copied to Edo State Chairman of the party, Iseghohi said; “I have observed with keen interest the process that is being utilized to nominate the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party.
“As a participant in the process, I am disappointed by the lack of transparency and the monetization of the process at the expense of selection of the best candidate with the popularity within the party and the capacity to win the general elections.
“This is at variance with my personal value system, that of my political family and the interest of the people of Edo State.
“Consequently, after consultations with my mentors, advisers, my team and my family, I hereby withdraw from the nomination process in the Labour Party.
“I am grateful for your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your prompt and decisive action.”
