Akpata Explains Why He Didn’t Challenge Edo Election Results in Tribunal
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, has explained that he chose not to challenge the election results in the tribunal because justice is often lost in technicalities with burden of proof hard to discharge.
Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), came third in the election with 22,763 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner with 291,667 votes.
In a statement issued on October 21, 2024, Akpata stated that his decision not to approach the tribunal was not a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system.
He argued that the burden of proof placed on petitioners is often insurmountable and that the electoral adjudication framework has become a labyrinth where justice is often lost to technicalities.
Akpata also addressed rumors of a secret alliance with the APC, describing them as false and malicious. He emphasized his commitment to grassroots mobilization and advocacy for electoral reform, stating that his fight transcends the confines of a courtroom and is a battle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
The LP candidate outlined his vision for a more robust democratic framework, which includes spearheading comprehensive electoral reform, building a vibrant opposition, investing in civic education, and forging alliances across party lines. He assured his supporters that his decision was not a retreat but a redeployment of resources and resolve, and urged all Edolites and Nigerians to remain vigilant, engaged, and hopeful.
The tribunal has since delivered its judgment, dismissing the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and others, and affirming Okpebholo’s victory. Akpata’s decision not to challenge the results has sparked debate, with some praising his strategic move and others criticizing his decision not to pursue legal action.
