Edo LP Governor Candidates Rally Behind Akpata, As Otti And NWC Step In

Edo LP Governor Candidates Rally Behind Akpata, As Otti And NWC Step In

Following the intervention of Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party's National Working Committee (NWC), Edo State candidates for governor have decided to back Olumide Akpata, the party's nominee, in the September 21 governorship election.

At a meeting held on Wednesday night at the Emeka Omeruo Government Lodge in Umuahia, all the disgruntled candidates, along with Akpata and other relevant parties, were made whole and resolved to back the party's presidential candidate by Otti, the only LP governor in the nation.

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, who led other NWC members, Kelly Ogbaloi, the party's chairman for Edo State, and Ceekay Igara, his counterpart for Abia State, were present at the important meeting, which started at 7:00 p.m. and ended at 11:30 p.m.

Others included Ikechukwu Emetu, the deputy governor of Abia State; Hon. Esosa Iyawe, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Oredo federal constituency in Edo State; Rt. Hon. Okezie Nmeregi, the deputy speaker of the Abia House of Assembly; and seven of the eight candidates for governor in the Edo governorship election on February 23.

Responding to inquiries from reporters encamped at the meeting location, Governor Otti stated that healing was crucial following any competition and that the gathering had been a great success.

He stated that concerns were resolved in the party's best interest and that interested parties were informed of the events of the primaries.

“They came and we discussed the affairs of the party after last week's primaries. We sat together, took a report of what happened. We looked at all the issues so we could have reconciliation ahead of the September election.

“Reconciliation is very vital in every contest because people after an election get offended, and you need to bring them together. A lot of progress has been made.”

Gov. Otti pledged to back the party and its candidate after projecting that the LP would win the upcoming election.

“Our candidate has the capacity to run his campaigns but I'm ready to offer any legitimate support. I will continue to give morale support as I'm already doing,” Otti promised.

Speaking also, LP National Chairman Abure said that the party's stakeholders were stronger and more unified in preparation for the upcoming governorship election, calling the reconciliatory meeting “very successful.”

“We have brought all the aspirants together with the candidate in order to have a formidable force before going to the campaign.

“All the grey areas have been sorted out. We are coming out stronger and more united. We are going to face the campaign with equal minds and as a united house. And I'm sure we will do very well. We are prepared for this election.”

Speaking to reporters as well, LP candidate Akpata expressed happiness that all of the contenders had decided to back him.

He congratulated them on their good sportsmanship and pledged to keep the electorate happy, feeling confident that he would win the poll.

While acknowledging that he would be up against strong opposition in the election, Akpata insisted that the party had the know-how and readiness to win and hold onto its victory.

“We are deliberate and intensional in what we do. We have formidable opponents and we are not underestimating them. We sat down and marshaled out out strategies.”

According to the former National Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), “I'm excited and the meeting was worthwhile.”

When asked what his main selling points would be, Akpata replied, “We are a people-centric party; the people are dissatisfied with the state of affairs, and LP is the last hope of people.”

He asserted that the enormous progress made by Governor Otti in every area of the Abia economy was sufficient evidence that the Labour Party is the best choice to lead the nation out of its current predicament.

When asked if LP was ready to defend its votes, he replied: “We are prepared to protect our votes. We have the befit of experience, and we know where the pitfalls are. This time, we are fully on ground,” he thundererd.

Dr. Blessing Akele, one of the candidates, concurred that the meeting was quite successful and that the resentful candidates had decided to support the party's nominee.

She declared that all parties had reached a resolution to work together as a single, cohesive family.

“We came to meet with the LP only Governor, Dr Alex Otti; and to settle our grievances in view of the forthcoming election. Having one house will be more efficient for us to win this election.

“We have reached an understanding, and the grievances have been ironed out. And we all agreed to work together to deliver our party and our candidate.”

Chairman of the Edo LP, Ogbaloi, added his voice and stated that the party had come together for victory in advance of the September election.

He expressed his gratitude to each candidate for choosing to put the party's interests ahead of their own.

Rep. Lyawe, in a similar vein, congratulated each candidate for joining forces in support of Akpata, characterizing him as “a salable candidate to deliver the mandate of the party and the people.”