The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for the upcoming election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21. The appellate court’s decision solidifies Akpata’s position as the party’s flagbearer after months of legal battles challenging his candidacy.
This ruling comes after an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered in June by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit seeking to nullify Akpata’s nomination. The plaintiffs in the case had contested the validity of his selection as the Labour Party’s candidate, arguing procedural flaws in the nomination process.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled in favor of Akpata, agreeing with the argument put forward by his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Johnson Usman. The court concluded that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the suit, thus dismissing their claims and affirming the legitimacy of Akpata’s nomination.
