Edo Guber: I’ve Not Stepped Down, Akpata Says In Race To Win

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, has debunked rumours that he stepped down for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A statement sent to THE WHISTLER and personally signed by him on Friday said the reports claiming he has stepped down are false.

Akpata said, “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 tomorrow’s 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,” Akpata said.

The LP governorship candidate declared, “Let me be unequivocally clear: I AM STILL IN THIS RACE.”

He explained that “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.

“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.”

In a message directed at the “architects of this forgery”, he said “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 ploys. Our resolve is unshakeable, our cause is just, and our vision for our great State remains clear and unwavering.

“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,” Akpata said.