THE governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata has denied reports that he has resigned from the governorship race and directed his followers to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing a press conference in his office, Akpata said “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.

“Let me be unequivocally clear: | AM STILL IN THIS RACE.

“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 |am a mere “spoiler,” yet you resort to such underhanded methods? Your actions betray your panic at our unstoppable momentum….[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]

“| call upon all journalists and media outlets to take particular note of this situation. It is imperative that you report the facts accurately and diligently verity information before publication. The integrity of our democratic process depends on responsible journalism, especially in these crucial hours before the election.

“To the architects of this forgery: | will not rest until | uncover every individual involved in this criminal act. You will face the full force of the law, and justice will be served. “

He also urged the supporters of the party and all citizens to 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.”

On the election itself, Akpata expressed worries over the presence of some state governors and other VIPs in the state capital saying “I am aware that Governor Hope Uzodinma is in Benin, what is his business here, yesterday night there were Amoured Personnel Carriers deployed by the police on the house of Adams Oshiomhole, several sienner buses with Akwa Ibom state government plate numbers with people who obviously are not from this State.

“We condemn this and we want the law enforcement agents to take action.”