While expressing gratitude to the Oba for his paternal role, Obi stated that free, fair, and credible elections are necessary for the country to achieve greatness.
Yesterday, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, kicked off the state’s governorship election mobilisation campaign. He escorted Olumide Akpata, the party’s candidate for governor of Edo State, on a courtesy call to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to ask for his blessings prior to the election.
While expressing gratitude to the Oba for his paternal role, Obi stated that free, fair, and credible elections are necessary for the country to achieve greatness.
He said that he believed that with the prayers of the Oba, “the party can make a headway as we begin our political campaigns ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.”
On his part Akpata said he was at the palace with the national leadership of the party to seek the Monarch’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 “I believe that your prayers, Your Majesty, will go a long way in helping us as I embark on this mission of rescuing the state.
“The Labour Party is strong and vibrant to wrestle power and deliver the dividends of democracy to the 18 local government areas of the state.” He said.
Responding, the Oba of Benin, while welcoming his guests said he wished them well as they take their political campaigns through the length and breadth of the state.
He said he is apolitical and would receive and pray for all those who would visit him but added that Akpata is a name known all over the country.
Earlier, the presidential candidate of the party was received at the state’s party secretariat before embarking on a road walk through major parts of the Benin metropolis and the Campaign Office of Akpata was also commissioned along Boundary Road, in GRA.