Paul Okungbowa, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), candidate for the Edo gubernatorial election, has categorically denied rumors of his party merging with the All Progressive Congress APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Okungbowa emphasised that his mandate remains unwavering and that he has entered into a trust covenant with the people of Edo.
He clarified that if there were any truth to the merger claims, he would have promptly notified the public in an honorable manner.
Okungbowa also highlighted that his party is led by four respected pastors, including; Pastor Royal Otasowie State Chairman, Pastor Nosa Egharevba Edo South Leader, Pastor Omogiate Osazee State Organizing Secretary, and Pastor Bakare Collins State PRO.
Okungbowa stressed that unless these leaders have acted without his knowledge, his commitment to the people remains unshakeable.
He emphasised that no one can coerce him into aligning his vision with another, underscoring his dedication to his original mandate.
This statement comes amidst reports of other YPP candidates defecting to the APC in various states, such as Akwa Ibom, where Senator Bassey Albert, the YPP’s 2023 governorship candidate, joined the APC to support President Tinubu.