In a resolute declaration during a citizen engagement session on #VawulenceSpace, Olumide Akpata, the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president and current Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate for Edo State, pledged to protect the sanctity of voters’ voices.
Addressing an audience of over 3000 viewers, Akpata assured, “I will do all I can to protect the votes of the people in Edo.” Drawing from his tenure as NBA president, he promised proactive engagement with stakeholders to ensure the safeguarding of votes.
Akpata also condemned the alarming rise in ethnic profiling observed during the gubernatorial elections in March 2023. Highlighting instances of discrimination, he emphasized the importance of inclusive and fair electoral processes.
His commitment comes on the heels of his victory in the LP governorship primary election held in Benin City, Edo State. Garnering 316 votes, Akpata clinched the nomination, as declared by Ikechukwu Emetu, the Deputy Governor of Abia State and the chief returning officer for the election. This marks Akpata’s debut foray into active politics, having joined the LP in August of the preceding year.
The LP candidate’s staunch assurance to defend the integrity of Edo’s ballots underscores his dedication to democratic principles and the protection of citizens’ rights.
