The candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Olumide Akpata has denied his alleged withdrawal from the race.
DAILY POST reports that Akpata denied the allegation that went viral on social media that he had withdrawn from the governorship race.
While noting that he is still much in the race, he described his alleged withdrawal from the race as not only a falsehood but a fraud whose perpetrators must be uncovered.
Akpata, who read a prepared speech titled,” I remain steadfast in the race” opined that the allegation of his withdrawal was a falsehood of the evil machinations of those who have held the state captive for a quarter of a century and a demonstration of shallowness that has characterized their governance style.
According to him, I have been inundated with calls and messages from friends and supporters, which constrains me to release this statement to dispel the wicked rumour circulating that 4 have decided to step down and support the PDP candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election.
“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.
“To the perpetrators of this fraud, your tactics only expose your fear. You claim I am a mere “spoiler”, yet you resort to such underhand 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”, he said.
He, however, urged Edo people to disregard this so-called” last kick of a dying horse.
He also urged the people and members of the party to go out and exercise their franchise, noting that together, “we will overcome these underhanded tactics and usher in the transformative leadership our State so richly deserves.
The Labour Party governorship candidate further appealed to the supporters of the party and citizens of the state not to be swayed by desperate politicians and their ploys.
“To our steadfast supporters and all citizens yearning for change, stand firm and do not be swayed by these desperate ploys.
“Our resolve is unshakeable, our cause is just, and our vision for our great State remains clear and unwavering,” he stated.
