The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Rivers State, Beatrice Itubo, has said she would never shelve her gubernatorial ambition with anyone ahead of the 2023 election.
Itubo was reacting to the comments by the Presidential candidate of the Labour party, Peter Obi.
Recall that Obi, during an event in Port Harcourt last month, had said the LP will enter into a negotiation with the Rivers State governor to support his presidential ambition while the LP in turn supports the Peoples Democratic Party in the governorship election in the state.
Speaking on the issue, Itubo downplayed Obi’s comments, describing it as a mere political statement and that no one has held any negotiations with her.
She, however, said nobody can force her to step down for any candidate, even if any negotiation was to be held.
Itubo said” my presidential candidate made a political statement. He didn’t make any serious a statement. I bought my form, Peter Obi bought his form, other candidates bought their forms and so I don’t think that Peter Obi will go and negotiate my position for me neither will I go an negotiate with somebody else for Peter Obi.
“Let me tell you; I have a principle, I didn’t come on my own to contest. Some people know how a lot of things have been going wrong in this state, these same people contributed money and gave me to go and pick a form. At the end of that, somebody will come and tell me to go a negotiate.
“I have filled and submitted my forms. Of course, the new Electoral Act says I must be the one who will write and swear an affidavit and say I’m no longer going and nobody, not even at gunpoint and of course if you try to force me they will not like what will happen.
“I am a woman but I’m not just an ordinary woman. I’m a woman who knows her right and I know exactly how to place my priorities.
“For someone to come and force it down my throat that I must step down, it’s impossible “.
Beatrice Itubo, however, said she has a cordial relationship with her party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.