In a surprise move, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate for the Edo State governorship election, has announced his withdrawal from the race, just a day before the polls. Akpata, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support and endorsements during his campaign [1).
“After careful consideration and due consultations with my great party and other relevant stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Edo State Gubernatorial elections slated for Saturday, 21st September 2024,” Akpata stated.
Akpata, who emerged as the Labour Party’s candidate with 316 votes, described his decision as “tough” but necessary to put the interests of Edo State first ¹ ² ³. He directed his supporters to vote for Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, and collapsed his entire structure into the PDP to ensure a resounding victory.
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Asue Ighodalo, a renowned lawyer and politician, has a strong track record in corporate finance, capital markets, energy, and natural resources ⁴. His candidacy was initially nullified by a Federal High Court but was later upheld ⁴.
The Edo State governorship election is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024. With Akpata’s withdrawal, the contest is now expected to be a closely watched event.