By DADA AYOKHAI
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi was in Benin, Edo state capital on Saturday to kick start the political campaign of the party Guber candidate in the state, Bar Olumide Akpata ahead of scheduled September 21 governorship election in the state.
Obi who led an entourage of Labour Party leaders was received at the Benin Airport by Barr Akpata and his running mate, Alhaji Yusuf Kadiri ,mammoth crowd along with party faithfuls across the state.
Amongst entourage were the National leadership of the Party, including Distinguished Senators, Neda Imasuen, Victor Umeh, Chief Kelvin Chukwu, and Dr Tony Nwoye,
The Obi entourage first point of call was the palace of Oba of Benin for a courtesy call on the Oba , HRM Oba Ewuare II to seek his blessings ahead of the election.
Mr. Obi while thanking the Oba for his fatherly role, said the nation can only be great if there is free, fair and credible election.
He said that he believes that with the prayers of the Oba, the party can make a head way as it begins its political campaigns ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Speaking also, the Edo State governorship candidate of the party, Olumide Akpata said he was at the palace with the national leadership of the party to seek the Oba’s blessings and to inform him that he is commencing his political campaigns.
Akpata said it would be very wrong for him to have go on with his campaign without him visiting for his blessings
He said he believes that his prayers will go a long way as he embarks on his mission of rescuing the state.
Akpata said that the party is strong and vibrant to wrestle power and deliver the dividends of democracy to the 18 local government areas of the state.
Responding, the Oba of Benin, while welcoming them to his palace, said he wishes them well as they take their political campaigns through the length and breadth of the state.
Former Governor Obi was also at the state’s party secretariat before embarking on a road walk through major parts of the Benin metropolis.
The party however inaugurated its campaign secretariat in Benin.
