Olumide Akpata – a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has hinted at his next political moves in his home state of Edo.
ENigeria Newspaper on Monday reported that Olumide Akpata has delved into mainstream politics after picking his membership card with the Labour Party (LP) at the party’s secretariat in Oredo Ward 6.
In a photo that circulated online on Monday, Akpata was seen at the secretariat of the Labour Party brandishing his membership card happily, a development that had since sparked reactions in several quarters.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that as the Edo 2024 Governorship Election draws closer, there has been a significant development in the political landscape which has seen some heavyweights and influential individuals in the state joining the Labour Party. Among them are Barr. Ken Imasuagbon, Kenneth Asekhome, and Azemhe Azena who have all joined the Labour Party, as well as indicated interest to contest the guber election next year.
With Olumi Akpata’s recent political embrace, there are speculations that he may pick the governorship ticket, which is likely to intensify the atmosphere; making it more competitive, given his influence and outstanding performance as the past President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Although ENigeria Newspaper cannot independently confirm what Akpata’s calculations are, in a social media post earlier today, he wrote: “Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party. Yes…I joined the @labourparty_ng in March this year and on Sunday I attended my first Ward Meeting at Oredo Ward 6, in Benin City, where I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my Party membership card. This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly…but I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate and I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonizing continually over the problem. This, for me, is the start of a very important journey and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination.”
Olumide Akpata is a highly regarded legal professional with a wealth of experience, his decision to join the political fold has piqued the interest of many, who eagerly await further announcements or declarations regarding his future plans.
Having served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he earned recognition for his remarkable leadership and advocacy for legal reforms, Akpata’s dedication to promoting justice, transparency, and the rule of law during his time as NBA President has earned him immense respect within the legal community and beyond.
