Mobolaji Michael
THE Peter Obi Media Reach has described as ‘fake news’ reports of the withdrawal of the Labour Party governorship candidate in tomorrow’s election, Mr Olumide Akpata from the race.
In a terse statement made available to Eighteen-Eleven Media via electronic channel, Dr Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of Obidient Movement stated that: “They are used to stealing the people’s votes. The letter was unintelligently written ……. The letter was written on the 20th of September and signed on the 29th of July. Every day for the thief, one day for the owner of the house.”
Dr Yunusa was responding to a letter written on an obviously forged letterhead of the Labour Party titled: ‘Decision to Step Down and Support the Candidate of the PDP Asue Ighodalo in the Edo Gubernatorial Election of 21st September 2024’.
The letter, purportedly signed by Barrister Akpata read this: 
“First and foremost I must sincerely thank you all for the show of love and unwavering support that l have received since I declared my intention to run for the office of governor of our great state.
“The enormous confidence and trust that you have reposed in me as the man for this job in the last few months of this journey cannot be overstated.
“I sincerely value the level of response that I have gotten during my campaigns and the encouraging endorsements I have received from all relevant stakeholders.
“After careful consideration and due consultations with my great party and other relevant stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Edo State gubernatorial election slated for Saturday 21st September 2024.
“This has been a very tough decision but as a patriot and great son of Edo State, I have decided
to put my ambition on hold and put our great state first.
“In the light of this, l am directing all my supporters to kindly turn out en masse this Saturday to vote for the candidate of the PDP Asue lghodalo and I have also collapsed my entire structure into the PDP in order to ensure a resounding victory tomorrow.
Once again, I thank you all for your overwhelming show of love and support towards this project
God Bless You All
God Bless Edo State
God Bless Nigeria
2024.
OLUMIDE OSAIGBO AKPATA
Candidate of the Labour Party, Edo 202A Election
July 29, 2024
Eighteen-Eleven Media