Edo Guber: “Our candidate, Akpata has not withdrawn from race” — Labour Party clarifies

The Labour Party has quickly dismissed the widespread rumors claiming that its Edo State gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata, has pulled out of the race before Saturday’s election.

In a statement issued late Friday, the Labour Party denounced the claims of its candidate, Olumide Akpata, withdrawing as untrue, attributing them to a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at confusing voters and undermining Akpata’s candidacy.

Olumide Akpata

The Labour Party made it clear that Akpata remains fully committed to contesting the election and leading the charge for progress in Edo State. The party condemned the sources of the rumors, accusing rival political parties of attempting to derail the momentum that has seen widespread support for Akpata’s candidacy.

“These claims that Olumide Akpata has stepped down are entirely untrue and baseless,” the statement read.

“They are being spread by parties that have consistently failed to put the people of Edo first and now know that the people will vote overwhelmingly for Akpata.”

The Labour Party reiterated its commitment to the electoral process, emphasizing that Akpata is firmly in the race and remains focused on delivering positive change to Edo State. The statement reassured voters that the party and its candidate are determined to see through their vision of good governance and a brighter future for the state.

The party urged its supporters and the general public to dismiss the rumors and rely only on official party communications for updates. “We advise all voters, supporters, and stakeholders to disregard any false claims about our candidate stepping down,” the statement continued.

“The Labour Party and Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata remain resolute, and we are confident of securing a landslide victory in this election.”

In a final note of optimism, the Labour Party reiterated its commitment to transparency and integrity, declaring: “Edo will be OK.”

With this firm denial that its candidate had withdrawn, the Labour Party has reaffirmed its candidate’s place in the highly anticipated Edo governorship election, which will see voters head to the polls on Saturday, September 21, 2024.