The Labour Party (LP) flag bearer in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata has said he would not allow himself to be derailed by what he tagged ‘side attractions’.
Akpata was reacting on how the ongoing leadership crisis rocking his party a few weeks to the poll will affect his chances of winning the poll.
He said, “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.
“Every organization must have its issues as long as human beings are 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 that we find a resolution.
“There’s no doubt that a united house is better than a divided house.We move on. I dont think any voter in Edo will say because there is quarrel between two people inside one place I will not go and 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 just side attraction.”
It would 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.”