The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) was described on Thursday as “baseless,” with the rumour making the rounds that it had struck an alliance deal with the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
Denying the rumour trending online across the state, the publicity secretary of the party, Sam Uruopa, said in a statement endorsed in Benin that the allegation was baseless and a desperate attempt to tarnish the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Edo State Labour Party has been drawn to a malicious publication trending in some online media platforms by one Vincent Osaghae on August 20, 2024, alleging a secret alliance between our gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We categorically deny these baseless allegations and consider them a desperate attempt to tarnish Olumide Akpata’s reputation and undermine his candidature.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored it because the author is insignificant, but for the sake of the innocent reading public, we deemed it necessary to set the records straight.
“First, there is no truth in the claim that a secret alliance between Akpata and APC exists. Our candidate has consistently maintained his commitment to the Labour Party and its ideals.
“We also deny receiving any sponsorship from the APC or the presidency. Akpata’s campaign is self-funded with the backing of loyal party members and supporters.
“For the past 25 years, both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party have represented darkness in Nigeria and Edo State.
“Akpata is a light that has nothing in common with darkness; the alleged late-night meetings with APC officials are false.
“Akpata has been focused on his ward-to-ward campaign, engaging with Edo people, and presenting his vision for the state.
“We deny receiving $850,000, N1.6 billion, or any such funds from the Presidency or APC. Our campaign finances are transparent and accountable.
“There was no manipulation of delegates as the Labour Party conducted the most free and fair primaries devoid of any godfather interference, where Akpata emerged as the clear winner.
“We urge our party members, the Obidient family, and the general public to disregard these malicious allegations sponsored by the opposition and focus on the issues that matter.
“Olumide Akpata remains committed to his promise of a better Edo State for all, and we will not be distracted by baseless rumours and smear campaigns. With Akpata and Kadiri, Edo will be OK.”
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