The Edo State Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Barr. Olumide Akpata, on Friday, denied stepping down from the governorship race, saying that those peddling the rumour of his stepping down are ‘professional politicians trying to hoodwink Edo people.

Akpata equally lamented that strange elements are arriving in the state, areas of the governorship election, with an attempt to cause mayhem and commit havoc.

According to him, vehicles carrying registration numbers of Akwa Ibom State and Imo State governments are parading the state for tomorrow’s election.

He queried what two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) deployed by the police and parked at the residence of a Senator and former Governor of the state were doing there.

Akpata noted that the rumour is to distract his supporters, calling on LP supporters to come out en masse tomorrow, September 21st, to participate in the state governorship election.

“I have been inundated with a flood of calls and messages from friends and supporters, which constrains me to release this statement to dispel the wicked rumour circulating that I have stepped down and supported the PDP candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election.

“This falsehood is illustrative of the evil machinations of those who have held our state captive for a quarter of a century and demonstrates the shallowness that has characterised their governance style.

“Let it be unequivocally clear that I am still in this race. The notion that I step down on the eve of the election after the overwhelming support received from the good people of our state borders on delusion. ” Akpata said.

Akpata urged all Edo people to disregard the rumour, describing it as the last kick of a dying horse.

“To our steadfast supporters and all citizens yearning for change, stand firm. Do not be swayed by these desperate ploys. Our resolve is unshakable. Our cause is just, and our vision for our great state remains clear and unwavering.