Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has taken a noteworthy step into the realm of Nigerian politics by officially joining the Labour Party (LP), signaling a fresh chapter in his public engagement.
The prominent lawyer and legal luminary, Akpata, shared this significant development through a statement on his official Twitter account on Tuesday 1st August.
Acknowledging the buzz surrounding his political affiliation, Akpata addressed the speculation head-on. “Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party,” he stated, unequivocally confirming his membership in the Labour Party.
Providing additional details, he disclosed that his association with the Labour party was initiated in March.
Furthermore, he revealed his participation in his inaugural political event as a member of the party—a Ward Meeting held on the previous Sunday at Oredo Ward 6, situated within the city of Benin. During this gathering, he was formally introduced to fellow Ward members, marking a symbolic initiation into the party.
Akpata recounted, “I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my Party membership card,” underscoring the tangible nature of his new political alignment.
When queried about his motivation for this shift in focus, Akpata articulated a profound rationale. Expressing a weariness with the perpetual cycle of grievances and criticisms aimed at Nigeria’s challenges, he indicated a genuine desire to transition from being an observer to a contributor to solutions. “I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonizing continually over the problem,” he affirmed.
Acknowledging the gravity of his decision, he emphasized, “This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly.”
This transformative juncture, according to him, marked the outset of a momentous journey, filled with aspirations for positive change. “This, for me, is the start of a very important journey, and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination,” he added, echoing a sense of purpose and optimism.
While the specifics of Akpata’s future political endeavors remain shrouded in uncertainty, the mere fact of his association with the Labour Party has already sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape.
Notably, the geographical context of his entry into politics is notable. Hailing from Edo State, the ruling party is the Peoples Democratic Party, although the national influence of the All Progressives Congress cannot be discounted, particularly in matters of state politics.
The Labour Party itself has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a formidable political entity within Nigeria. This trajectory has been significantly shaped by the inclusion of Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State located in the South-east region of Nigeria.
Joining the party in May of the preceding year, Obi ultimately emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections. This transition underscores the party’s growing prominence and sets the stage for potentially influential political dynamics in Nigeria’s future.