A massive crowd erupted as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election made an appearance in Edo State to campaign for Barrister Olumide Akpata ahead of the governorship election.

The Edo State governorship election, set to take place on September 21, saw Peter Obi and other Labour Party chieftains kick starting the campaign on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Despite heavy downpours, the streets were crowded as people thronged out to listen to the Labour Party candidate Akpata and his running mate Alhaji Yusuf Asamah Kadiri.

Both Peter Obi and party chieftains also embarked on a road walk across some major streets in Benin City. During their visit to Uwelu spare part markets, there were loud cheers from the traders.

The former presidential candidate paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to seek his royal blessings and prayers for the party to emerge victorious in the election.

Speaking at the palace, Obi expressed his appreciations to the Oba of Benin as he appealed for a free and fair election to be carried out.

Olumide Akpata on his part, said that the national leadership of the party seeks the royal blessings and to inform him of his commencement of his political campaigns.

He noted that it would be wrong to embark on campaigns without first visiting the traditional ruler for his blessings.

Akpata believes that the Labour Party has what it takes to win the governorship election and bring prosperity to the people of Edo.

The Oba of Benin in response, welcomed Peter Obi, the governorship candidate and other chieftains of the party to the palace. He wished them well as they embarked on their political campaigns.