Akpata On Edo Polls: “I Didn’t Step Down For Ighodalo”

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has denied stepping down from the race.

Akpata in Benin on Friday, said documents purporting that he has stepped down for the People Democratic Party candidate, were false, wicked machinations of those who have held our State captive for a quarter of a century.

He said, “This press conference has become necessary following a report that I have stepped down for the Peoples Democratic Party, candidate, Asue Ighodalo. There is no way I would step down when I am the most qualified among all the candidates. I remain steadfast in the race.

“I have been inundated with a flood of calls and messages from friends and supporters, which constrains me to release this statement to dispel the wicked rumour circulating that I have decided to step down and support the PDP candidate in the governorship election.

“This falsehood is illustrative of the evil machinations of those who have held our State captive for a quarter of a century and demonstrates the shallowness that has characterised their governance style. The notion that I would step down on the eve of the election, after the overwhelming support received from the good people of our state, borders on delusion.

“This pathetic attempt at deception is so amateurish that the “Oluwole forgers could not even get the date right, leaving “July 29, 2024″ on their fraudulent document. Such incompetence would be laughable if it were not so sinister in its intent.”

He vowed to bring the perpetrators of the report to book.

He said, “To the perpetrators of this fraud: your desperate tactics only expose your fear. You claim I am a mere “spoiler,” yet you resort to such underhanded methods? Your actions betray your panic at our unstoppable momentum.

“To the architects of this forgery: I will not rest until I uncover every individual involved in this criminal act. You will face the full force of the law, and justice will be served.

“To our steadfast supporters and all citizens yearning for change: stand firm. Do not be swayed by these desperate plays. Our resolve is unshakeable, our cause is just, and our vision for our great State remains clear and unwavering.”

Akpata urged the public to disregard it.

“I urge all the people of Edo State to disregard this last kick of a dying horse. Please go out and exercise your franchise tomorrow.

“Together, we will overcome these underhanded tactics and usher in the transformative leadership our State so richly deserves,” he stated.