The vibrant streets of Benin City were brought to a standstill as the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, intensified their campaign efforts ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election.
Market areas such as Mission Road and New Benin Market buzzed with activity as Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, led the campaign, stopping at key locations including the renowned Oba Market.
Supporters began gathering as early as 9 AM at the party’s state secretariat on Sokponba Road, undeterred by the morning rain. Thousands rallied in support of Obi, who remains a symbol of hope for many who believe he was the rightful winner of the February 2 presidential election.
The event marked the final push in the campaign, with the deadline for activities set for September 19, just days before voters head to the polls.
Addressing the crowd at Oba Market, Obi emphasized the need for change, saying, “Things have become very bad under this government. There is no light, no water, no security, no fuel. Everything in this country is scattered. What we want in Nigeria is change. We want to put food on our table, we want the government to tell us what they are using the money from fuel subsidies for, and we want a better Edo.
“On the 21st, you know what you will do, ensure you vote for ‘Mama, papa, pikin’ so that we can start to repair Nigeria from Edo State. We need to change the people that say they are bringing change. You must vote for Olumide Akpata, who is your guy.”
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate, also addressed supporters, saying, “This is the time for the election, and our father, Peter Obi, is here with us. I told him that we are some of the best voters in this country. Who is your guy? I am your guy, and Edo will be okay. On September 21, we will remove those who have misused our resources from the government house.”
