Accord Party Senatorial candidate in Kogi denies stepping down

The candidate of Accord Party seeking to represent Kogi West in the Senate, Samuel Bamidele, has dispelled rumours going round the senatorial constituency that he has stepped down from the race to support incumbent Senator Smart Adeyemi of the PDP.

There were claims Monday that Mr. Bamidele, widely known as Aro, has stepped down and is therefore not a candidate for Saturday’s national assembly election in the state.

Mr. Bamidele informed PREMIUM TIMES over the telephone on Tuesday that he is still in the race.

“How can I step down four days to the election and without consulting my people first?”he asked. “As we speak, my campaign is going on well and we are poised for victory.”

He also said the rumours may have been spread by the camps of his opponents because they fear imminent defeat.

“I know that Smart and even Dino (Melaye) are behind these wicked rumours, but it can’t help them,” he said.

On his chances Saturday, the Accord party candidate said he was sure of winning the ticket.

“We are trusting God, just wait for Saturday and see how the mighty would fall,” he said.

The race for the Kogi West race is between the three major gladiators, Mr. Adeyemi of the PDP, Mr. Melaye of APC and Mr. Bamidele of Accord party.

Both Messrs. Melaye and Bamidele were members of the House of Representatives while Mr. Adeyemi is seeking a return to the Senate for the third time.