Labour Party (LP) candidate in the recently concluded Edo State Governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has announced that he will not challenge the election results at the tribunal.
Akpata, who is also the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), made this declaration in a statement on Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Akpata of the Labour Party came third with 22,763 votes.
Out of the state’s 18 local government areas, APC won 10, while PDP claimed victory in 8.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Akpata explained his decision not to pursue a tribunal case, citing his desire to avoid lengthy legal battles that often reinforce flawed election processes.
“My decision not to approach the tribunal is not a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system,” he stated. “I choose to rise above the quagmire of protracted legal battles that often serve to legitimise a fundamentally compromised process.”
Akpata emphasized that his focus is on driving systemic reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “Our fight transcends the confines of a courtroom; it is a battle for the very soul of our democracy,” he declared.
In his full statement, Akpata addressed rumors surrounding his decision, outlined his vision for electoral reform, and promised to remain committed to shaping Nigeria’s political future.
