Ousted Chairman of Offa Local Government, Prince Saheed Popoola, has denied what he called 'PDP-sponsored rumour' that he is not taking part in the upcoming rerun election.

The Appeal Tribunal recently ordered a rerun election in the ACN-controlled council following a petition by PDP that it was not duly notified of the bye-election that
produced ACN's Popoola as the executive chairman.

Popoola said in a statement he issued in Offa on Monday that the PDP has been enmeshed in different plots since the court ruling to gain unfair advantage in the election, including spreading rumour of his withdrawal from the race.

The statement reads: "Our attention has been drawn to some dirty tactics our opponents are devising to, by all foul means, gain control of the Offa Local Government as the rerun election closes in.

"One of the tactics is the rumour being spread that I have withdrawn from taking part in the upcoming rerun election. We wish to alert our numerous supporters and good people of Offa that this is not true and should be ignored. It is the cowardly handiwork of PDP. I remain the candidate of the ACN which members and leaders stood by me throughout the legal struggle.

"We are also aware of their other evil plans to ensure I do not participate in the election, especially after overtures to get me to dump my party, ACN, for the PDP have failed. These evil plans would also crumble, God willing, because democracy is about free choice and does not thrive in an atmosphere of intimidation or blackmail.

"We urge our supporters and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria to remain vigilant as the rerun election draws near. Our opponents are very desperate politicians who
would resort to any tactics, however foul, immoral or illegal, to deny Offa people their right to free choice."