- Akpata on September 24 said he may challenge the outcome of the poll after his lawyers complete a review of the process.
- The Edo governorship election was held on September 21.
Olumide Akpata, who was candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the Edo governorship election, says he would not challenge the election results at the tribunal.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the Edo governorship poll with 291,667 votes.
Akpata garnered 22,763 votes to secure third place, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 247,274 to finish second.
Speaking in a statement on Saturday, the LP candidate said that his decision not to challenge the election is so as to avoid protracted legal battles that often serve to legitimise a fundamentally compromised process.
Akpata noted that his fight transcends the confines of a courtroom, adding that it is a battle for the very soul of “our democracy.”
“My decision not to approach the tribunal is not a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system,” Akpata said.
“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.
“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.”
THE FULL STATEMENT READS:
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