In a surprising turn during the Edo state governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, lost his polling unit to Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At polling unit 11, Ward 06 in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, Ighodalo secured 41 votes, while Akpata, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), garnered 32 votes.

Meanwhile, Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), trailed behind with 19 votes.

Akpata had earlier called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and level playing field for all candidates. He expressed hope that every voter in Edo State would be able to cast their vote peacefully and without hindrance.

“I was given my ballot paper, went to the booth, thumb printed, and dropped it in the ballot box. Everything went well,” Akpata said after casting his vote. “I hope this is the experience of every Edo voter. I will wait for feedback from all the wards and polling units.”

He further urged INEC to maintain transparency throughout the process, ensuring that no candidate is given undue advantage. Akpata stressed the importance of allowing all party agents access to the collation centres to observe the results’ announcement.

Akpata also raised concerns about the security deployment in the state, specifically citing the presence of two APC-branded trucks parked outside the residence of Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

He expressed doubts about the neutrality of the security forces, stating, “That does not give me confidence. Two APC trucks—major equipment meant for the people—are outside his home. What are they doing in front of his home?”

The election, being the only gubernatorial race currently taking place in Nigeria, has drawn significant attention nationwide, with Akpata calling on INEC to deliver on its mandate of conducting a fair and transparent election.