The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has firmly rejected an online report alleging an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21. The online claim suggested that the supposed alliance was facilitated by senior members of the APC and the presidency.
In response to these allegations, Sam Uruopa, the State Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, issued a statement on Thursday, calling the report “baseless” and a “desperate attempt to tarnish” the reputation of LP’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata.
The statement emphasized that the Labour Party has no secret agreements with the APC and has not received any financial support from them or the presidency.
Part of the statement read, “We categorically deny these baseless allegations and consider them a desperate attempt to tarnish Olumide Akpata’s reputation and undermine his candidacy.
“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, represent 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 or 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 rumors and smear campaigns. With Akpata and Kadiri, Edo will be Ok.”
