The Edo State Chapter of Labour Party has denied reports that its governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata, has stepped down for candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, in Saturday’s election.
A letter purportedly written and signed by Akpata is currently making rounds on social media.
In the letter, Akpata he stepped down for the PDP candidate in the election after wide consultation.
But, the labour party’s publicity secretary Sam Uroupa, denied the report, saying he was still very much in the race and is poised to win the election.
Also, Zekeri Idris, chairman of Akpata’s media team, denied the reports.
“Completely ignore the fake news that Olumide Akpata has stepped down for ANYONE! As Chairman Media Team of the Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council, I guarantee that this is a fictitious attempt by the Lagos conmen to save themselves from imminent defeat!”
Meanwhile, Akpata has said Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in last year’s election, has made a difference in his campaign.
In an interview with ARISE TV, he said, “Peter Obi is making a whole lot of difference because he is one individual that people trust. People trust him because his word is his bond.
“People trust Peter Obi because he’s a performer and so his endorsement of my candidacy is worth its weight in gold and so I make no bones about it.
“I will not hesitate to take advantage of the fact that he supports me and those of you who know Obi, he will only associate with a candidate he has confidence in, every confidence in his or her abilities.
“So I’m fortunate, I’m privileged that he’s willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with me on the podium, on various podiums across the state.
“We have been to all three senatorial zones together. He has been very, very magnanimous with his time and with his energy and he has brought that to bear on the campaign process.
“The people are definitely, definitely encouraged by his presence. It gives them reason to believe again. It gives them hope again.”
“Now with regard to the umpire, the regulator INEC, I am hopeful because there are certain peculiar factors that lend themselves to this process that will hopefully bring about a positive outcome,” he said.
“Firstly, it’s an off-cycle election. So in that regard, we are fortunate and privileged to have the undivided attention of INEC in this state so they can bring together their entire machinery on the process.
