The attention of the Natasha/Khalid Campaign Organization has been drawn to publications trending on social media conveying news of the disqualification of the SDP candidate, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti. To set the records straight, Barr. Natasha Akpoti has not been disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In point of fact, there was an attempt by INEC to reject the substitution of running mates to candidates of about 8 political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja earlier today on flimsy alibis. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), the political platform on which Natasha Akpoti is contesting the governorship election is one of them. After dragging the matter with INEC for about 14 hours, the Commission capitulated and accepted the substitutions brought forward by the political parties.
By and large, the nomination of Barr. Natasha’s running mate, Engr. Khalid Adams Ogbeche was received and officially approbated by INEC. We patiently await the publication of names of all governorship candidates by INEC any moment from now.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Campaign Council and the acceptability of our politically trendy candidate, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti and her running mate, Engr. Khalid Adams Ogbeche has become a peoples’ movement and the Kogi masses who are the drivers of change are the principal stakeholders. Any attempt to forestall the idea of change which the Kogi people have resolved to bring about in the State via the November gubernatorial election will be resisted.
Let us sound a note of warning at this point that no amount of calculated backroom gimmicks and political shenanigans by the APC-led government in collaboration with INEC can stall this idea of change whose time has come in Kogi State.
We beseech all party members and supporters across the state to remain steadfast in their faith as our governorship candidate, Barr. Natasha Akpoti and her team will fight every obstacle on the way to achieving a better Kogi for all.
We will communicate you further as events unfold.
Odaudu Joel Minister
Director of Media and Publicity,
Natasha/Khalid Campaign Organization.