In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court recognized the Lamidi Apapa-led Labour Party, which has chosen Barrister Uwadiae Asemota Anderson, a seasoned lawyer and Managing Partner of Neplus Ultra, as its gubernatorial candidate for Edo State.
The decision was made during the party primaries held at the Golden Tulip Hotel Etete, GRA Benin City, Edo State. Anderson secured a resounding affirmation with 188 votes, showcasing strong support within the party.
The primaries were conducted by the Chief Electoral Officer, Comrade Roland Daramola, and the Secretary of the electoral committee, Bishop Favour Reuben, on behalf of the National Working Committee.
However, a twist occurred as another candidate, Olumide Akpata, emerged from the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party, declaring victory with 316 votes in a separate exercise held in Benin City. This conflicting outcome led to a heated dispute within the party. National Publicity Secretary, Comrade (Dr.) Abayomi Arabambi, expressed dissatisfaction, denouncing Akpata’s candidacy as “ultra vires, null and void,” citing legal judgments from the Federal High Court judgment in Owerri delivered on the 23rd day of June 2023 in the suit nos FHC/OW/CS/28/2023, and the Court of Appeal judgment delivered also in Owerri on the 21st day of July 2023 in the suit number CA/OW/187/2023 and the Supreme Court judgment delivered in Abuja on the 11th day of September 2023 in suit nos SC/CV/842/2023.
Dr. Abayomi Arabambi questioned Akpata’s legitimacy and alleged ties to the PDP and fraudulent merchandise Julius Abure leadership who the police IGP has established a prima facie case of forgery, impersonation, and criminal conspiracies against, emphasizing the party’s commitment to upholding all the court rulings against the candidature of Mr. Olumide Akpata.
The controversy further intensified as our correspondence obtained court documents affirming the restraining order of Abure by the FCT High Court delivered on the 5th day of April 2023, restraining the candidate from the Abure-led faction.
A Federal High Court in Imo State, the Court of Appeal in Owerri, and the Supreme Court all upheld the decision that Alhaji Lamidi Apapa remains the acting chairman of the Labour Party until the restraining order of the FCT High Court is dispensed with or set aside by a higher court.
Amidst these legal battles, Uwadiae Asemota Anderson stands as the undisputed candidate for the Supreme Court recognized Lamidi Apapa-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party, emphasizing stability and adherence to legal norms.
Anderson, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, has an impressive legal background, having handled numerous election petition cases and civil matters. His experience and track record in navigating legal challenges position him as a formidable candidate for the Labour Party in the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
As the election season unfolds, the Labour Party braces for a fierce contest, with Anderson leading the charge against other contenders. The intricacies of party politics and legal battles add an extra layer of complexity to an already dynamic electoral landscape in Edo State.
Finally, the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, advises Mr. Olumide Akpata not to waste his resources, as the Abure-led faction that elected him is a scam and disaster and will do everything possible to ensure Olumide Akpata faces criminal prosecution that will attract maximum jail terms.
