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Edo Guber: Olumide Akpata Give Reasons He Won’t Challenge Election Results in Court

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 13th, 2024.

Edo Guber: Olumide Akpata Give Reasons He Won’t Challenge Election Results in Court

Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the recent Edo State governorship election, has chosen not to challenge the results of the September 21 poll, in which he secured third place with 22,763 votes, according to News360 Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), shared his reasoning.

While he acknowledged the issues encountered during the election process, Akpata emphasized his desire to focus on the future and the betterment of Edo State, rather than becoming embroiled in a protracted legal dispute. He noted that the legal period for filing petitions at the gubernatorial election tribunal has now expired, and his decision reflects his commitment to advancing democracy in Edo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election with 291,667 votes, followed by Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes.

Akpata’s choice is viewed as a significant move toward fostering peace and democratic values in the state.

“After thorough discussions with my legal team and key stakeholders, I have decided not to contest the election results in court. This decision is not a surrender to injustice but a strong stance against a flawed system,” he stated.

“I prefer to avoid the quagmire of lengthy legal battles that often end up validating a compromised process. Instead, I am committed to the challenging yet vital task of systemic reform.

“Our fight goes beyond the courtroom; it is a struggle for the essence of our democracy.

“This decision, made through careful consideration and analysis, is not simply a political tactic. It speaks to the current state of our democracy and serves as a rallying cry for all who value free and fair elections.

“With over three decades of legal experience, alongside my deputy, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, we have examined every aspect of this election. Our conclusion, reached in consultation with some of the country’s top legal experts, is about more than just the outcome of one election; it concerns the very foundations of our democratic system,” Akpata added.