Julius Okorie
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, practically shut down Edo State on Tuesday, September 10, as the party continues to mobilise voters ahead of the September 21 Gubernatorial election.
Obi dressed in T-shirt with inscription “Olu is my Guy” stormed the ancient city of Benin to identify with former NBA President and Labour Party Governorship candidate in the forthcoming election in the state, Barrister Olumide Akpata and his Deputy Prince Yusuf Asamah Kadiri.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelExcited Edolites trooped out in their numbers to listen to the former Anambra State Governor, who urged them to use their voting powers to install the kind of positive change they desire, by voting in Olumide Akpata and Asamah Kadiri, adding that the duo are passionate about making sure that Edolites feel and enjoy the dividends of democracy by walking the talk.
Obi, whose mantra before, during and after the 2023 Presidential election remains that Nigeria must move from consumption to production if she is to whether economic storm, maintained that Olumide Akpata who floored seven other aspirants within the party to emerge party’s flag bearer has everything it takes with his deputy to take Edo State to the next level.
Speaking in ‘pidgin English’ Obi said “I beg oo election don come ooo, come out in numbers to vote for papa, mama and the crowd competed it for him, with “Pikin” (Apparently referring to the logo of the Labour Party).
Obi who dazzled electorates during the presidential election backing his arguments with verifiable facts and figures then added “We want to change this country.”
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In a massive show of love, Edolites did not only troop out en masse to welcome and listen to Obi but also showered him with love.
Dozens of women and party faithful were seen in a viral video of the rally bringing bunch of plantain and other gifts for the presidential candidate in appreciation of his visit and support for their illustrious sons whom many believe will emerge victorious come September 21.
Earlier, Barrister Akpata had described the upcoming election as “freedom day” for Edo people, urging them to vote for the Labour Party to free themselves from the shackles of bondage. He described the turnout of party faithful and entire Edolites in general as unity turnout, adding we are confident of victory.”
He emphasised that his aim in joining the Labour Party was not to resolve disputes but to secure victory on September 21.
Labour Party Out To win Election Not Fight
“Labour Party is the winning party, and we are not here to fight. We are here to win the election,” he concluded.
The massive turn out at the rally some say is an indication that the party is set to take over in the state, despite reported internal divisions within the party, leading to the formation of two factions.
While one faction is loyal to National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, with former Edo House of Assembly Speaker, Elizabeth Ativie, serving as its chairperson, the other led by Barrister Kelly Ogbaloi, includes the LP governorship candidate, Akpata.
The internal crisis dates back to May, when the party’s state executive, under Ogbaloi’s leadership, ratified the suspension of National Chairman Abure. In response, Abure, via the National Working Committee, dissolved the Ogbaloi-led executive and replaced it with a caretaker committee headed by Ativie.
Assessment of political activities in the state that prides itself as the heartbeat of the nation indicates that out of 17 political parties registered for the election, only the APC, PDP, and LP have significant chances of success, thus making it a three horse race.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
