A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, has denied claims that he had a hand in the protest that took place at the party’s secretariat in Benin on Sunday.
Members of the Edo Chapter of the Labour Party on Sunday evening had protested against the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure over alleged support for some aspirants ahead of the party governorship primary to be held later this month.
The angry members, mainly youths, who besieged the state party secretariat with placards bearing different inscriptions, while chanting, “Abure must go”, were prevented from entering the building by security operatives.
In a press statement released after Akpata addressed journalists on Tuesday in Benin, he said he was in a party to join hands with others to build it and it was unthinkable that he would be linked with such things.
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He said, “It has come to my attention that there was a protest on Sunday, 4th February 2024, at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, which allegedly turned violent.
“I want to clearly and unequivocally state that I do not know this protest, nor have I sanctioned or approved it in any way. The baseless rumours and insinuations that have been mischievously circulated that these protesters are carrying out my bidding are totally false, unfounded, and quite frankly ridiculous.
“As a loyal, dedicated member of the Labour Party who has invested significant time, energy, and resources towards building and strengthening the Party across Edo State since I joined, it is both laughable and utterly despicable that I would be linked to any kind of violent protest at the party’s secretariat.
“It is very likely that these bogus allegations and rumours are emanating from certain quarters within and even outside the Labour Party that are opposed to my emerging as the Labour Party’s gubernatorial flagbearer in the upcoming February 22, 2024, primary elections. In their desperation, they have resorted to underhanded tactics and smear campaigns to undermine my widespread credibility, acceptability, and support base within and outside the Party in Edo State and across the country.”
