Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata Denies Withdrawal from Governorship Race

The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, has categorically denied rumours circulating on social media suggesting his withdrawal from the governorship race.

Speaking on the issue, Akpata dismissed the allegations as false and labelled them a fraudulent attempt by political opponents to mislead the public.

In a statement reported by Newsmen, Akpata made it clear that he remains fully committed to the race, describing the claims as part of a broader scheme to undermine his candidacy.

“The allegation of my withdrawal is not only a falsehood but also a fraud whose perpetrators must be uncovered,” Akpata stated.

Delivering a prepared speech titled *”I Remain Steadfast in the Race”*, the LP candidate expressed concern over the tactics being employed by what he described as forces that have held the state “captive for a quarter of a century.”

He added that the baseless rumour is a reflection of the “shallowness that has characterised their governance style.”

Akpata, visibly frustrated by the false claims, said, “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 I have decided to step down and support the PDP candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election.”

He further rejected the notion that he would withdraw at the last minute, especially after receiving overwhelming support from the people of the state.

“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,” he said.

Akpata also criticised the fraudulent document that falsely claimed he had withdrawn, highlighting its poor execution. “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,” he noted.

He added that the incompetence of the forgery “would be laughable if it were not so serious.”

Turning his attention to the culprits behind the false claims, Akpata stated, “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.”

The Labour Party candidate vowed to pursue justice, promising that those responsible for the forgery would be identified and held accountable.

“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 emphasised.

Akpata urged the people of Edo State to dismiss the false reports, describing them as the “last kick of a dying horse.” He encouraged voters and Labour Party members to remain steadfast and exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election.

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

He further appealed to his supporters and the citizens of the state not to be swayed by desperate politicians attempting to undermine his campaign.

“To our steadfast supporters and all citizens yearning for change, stand firm and do not be swayed by these desperate ploys,” Akpata advised.

In closing, Akpata reaffirmed his commitment to his vision for the state, stating, “Our resolve is unshakeable, our cause is just, and our vision for our great State remains clear and unwavering.”

As the governorship election approaches, all eyes remain on Edo State, where the political atmosphere has become increasingly tense, with rumours and allegations flying in all directions.