The major streets of Benin City, especially in market areas like Mission Road and New Benin market, were brought to a standstill as the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, ramped up their campaign efforts ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, led the campaign entourage, which made significant stops including the popular Oba Market among other key locations.
From as early as 9:00am, enthusiastic supporters began assembling at the state secretariat of the party along Sakponba Road.
Despite the early morning rain, thousands of supporters showed up to rally behind Obi, who many still believe was the rightful winner of the February 2 presidential election.
The event marked the final round-up of campaigns, as the deadline for campaign activities is set for September 19th, just days before the election.
Speaking to the people in Oba Market, Obi said, “You know things have become very bad under this government, there is no light, no water, no security, no fuel. Everything in this country is scattered. What we want in Nigeria is change. We want to put food on our table, we want the government to tell us what they are using the money from fuel subsidies for, and we want a better Edo.
“On the 21st, you know what you will do, ensure you vote for Mama, papa, pikin so that we can start to repair Nigeria from Edo State. We need to change the people that say they are bringing change. You must vote for Olimide Apkata who is your guy.”
On his part, the candidate of the party, Olumide Akpata said, “This is the time for the election, our father is here, we need to let them know that we have a father who is Peter Obi, he asked me if you people will vote and I said we are one of the best voters in this country, who is your guy, I am your guy and Edo will be okay, on the 21st of September, we will sack those occupying on government house now that have misused our resources.”