Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, announced on Saturday that he would not challenge the outcome of the September 21, 2023, governorship election in the state. Despite acknowledging flaws in the election process, Akpata stated that he has chosen not to take the matter to the tribunal.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, the winner of the election with 291,667 votes. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, came in second with 247,274 votes, while Akpata finished third with 22,763 votes.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Akpata expressed his decision not to pursue legal action, even though he noted irregularities during the electoral 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.”
“ 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.”
My statement 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.”
