Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) flagbearer in the Saturday, September 21st, governorship poll in Edo State, has averred that he will go on with his campaign and will not be derailed by what he tagged ‘side attractions’.
He was reacting to inquiries on how the ongoing leadership crisis rocking his party a few weeks to the poll will affect his chances of winning the poll.
“If we were having primaries I would be bothered. But this is election(forthcoming). Our target audience are the people of Edo State. They’re the electorates. It’s their votes that we need. It’s not in contention that I am the candidate of the Labour Party. Nobody dragged that one.”
Reminded that he has a court case against his candidacy initiated by Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon (aka the Riceman), he asserted: “I am speaking about the LP. Within LP. Riceman carry me go court for Benin. Carry me go court in Abuja. No be my house be that?
“As far as I am concerned in the LP when dem they drag who be chairman of the party in the state dem no say candidate na issue, abi? So, we will go to the people as the candidate seeking their votes.
“Every organization must have its issues as long as na human beings dey there. So, as I said today, the best way is always to stick to what the law says then you can’t go wrong. But we’re trying our best keeping faith with our internal dispute resolution mechanism to ensure to ensure that we find a resolution.
“There’s no doubt that a united house is better than a divided house. No doubt about it. But how for do. Na so we see am, na so we see am. We move on. I dont think any voter in Benin will say because dem get quarrel between two people inside one place I no go vote for Olu Akpata.
“They’ll listen to the message that Olu Akpata has for them. If they’re convinced they will vote. If they’re not convinced they won’t vote. All these ones na wetin dem call side attraction.”
It will be recalled that the state leadership of the LP under the control of Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, on Saturday rectified the suspension of Hon. Elizabeth Ativie as recommended by the Ward 4 in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area on 4th May.
Major reason that was given for the suspension of the ex- highest ranking lawmaker in the state who is contending the state party chairmanship with Comrade Ogbaloi is for her “gross anti-party activities and insubordination.”
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