Edo Poll: Ex-LP Gov Candidate Rallies Support For Ativie’s Panel

Labour Party chieftain in Edo State, Azekhumhen Okoukoni, has called for unity within the party, while backing the Elizabeth Ativie-led state caretaker committee that was inaugurated on May 27.

Despite resentment toward Ativie and her committee by aggrieved members of the dissolved exco, Okoukoni urged stakeholders of the party in the state to work with the new caretaker committee to ensure victory for the party in the forthcoming September 21 governorship election.

In a statement on Wednesday, Okoukoni, described Ativie as a jolly good fellow, having served at the state and national level as Edo State Chairperson and National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria respectively.

He said, “Under the leadership of Elizabeth Ativie as the state chairperson of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State branch, youths in Edo State witnessed a lot of developments which later earned her the post of the National President of the council. Such a person should be well commended and congratulated.’’

“I will urge all the stakeholders in the state to back Ativie’s committee so that we would be able to win the governorship election. We need unity to face the other parties at the poll.

“Those trying to divide the Labour Party should have a rethink and work for the party to move forward in Edo State. They should give peace a chance and allow the Ativie-led Caretaker Committee to win more laurels as we approach the gubernatorial election in the state.

“As a chieftain of LP and former governorship aspirant in Edo State, I am strongly behind the former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Ativie, because of her articulate and vibrant representation, while she was at the state Assembly.

“I hereby appeal to all members of the LP to rally around the Ativie-led Exco, our candidate, Olumide Akpata towards ensuring victory in the coming election slated for 21st September 2024.”

Recall that the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, on 27th May 2024 inaugurated a 17-man caretaker committee, headed by Elizabeth Ativie, following the expiration of the tenure of Ogbaloi-led Executive Council, which ended in April 2024.