The Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, said on Saturday he would not challenge the result of last month’s governorship election in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the September 21 election in Edo State.
Okpenbholo, 54, scored 291,667 votes to edge out his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes in the exercise.
Akpata polled 22, 763 votes to finish third in the election.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the LP candidate said he would not challenge the outcome of the election at the tribunal despite the obvious flaws in the process.
He wrote: “My decision not to approach the tribunal is not a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system. I choose to rise above the quagmire of protracted legal battles that often serve to legitimise a fundamentally compromised process.
READ ALSO: EDO GUBER POLL: Even Labour Party agents, faithfuls sold us out, Akpata laments
“ Instead, I commit myself to the arduous but necessary task of systemic reform. Our fight transcends the confines of a courtroom; it is a battle for the very soul of our democracy.
Read my full statement that addresses my decision not to approach the Edo State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal. I delve into the rationale behind this crucial choice, confront circulating rumours head-on, outline my strategic vision for electoral reform, and chart the course for our collective political future.”
My decision not to approach the tribunal is not a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system. I choose to rise above the quagmire of protracted legal battles that often serve to legitimise a fundamentally compromised process. Instead, I commit myself… pic.twitter.com/X3T8o0yenZ
— Olumide Akpata (@OlumideAkpata) October 12, 2024
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