Naanlong Daniel Gapyil has denied reports claiming that he stepped down from the race for the Mikang State Constituency seat ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Press Secretary, Philip Eplong, following the circulation of a publication allegedly released by a group identified as “Mikang Advocates for Fairness and Equity.”
According to the statement, reports suggesting that the Speaker had withdrawn from the contest were false, misleading, and intended to create confusion among his supporters and the public.
The statement quoted Gapyil as saying that he remains fully in the race and has neither withdrawn his aspiration nor contemplated stepping aside for any other aspirant.
“The publication is not only false and misleading, it is a calculated attempt by my opponents and detractors to deceive my supporters and the public and should be disregarded in its entirety,” the statement read.
The Speaker maintained that he remains committed to the democratic process and continues to enjoy support from stakeholders and supporters across Keonem, Piapung, and Garkawa districts in Mikang Local Government Area.
According to the statement, Gapyil’s aspiration is anchored on service, accountability, and the collective development of Mikang Local Government Area.
The frontline contender for the Mikang State Constituency seat also cautioned individuals and groups against spreading unverified information capable of creating political tension and misunderstanding within the constituency.
He urged members of the public to verify information from official and authorized sources before sharing such reports.
The statement added that the Speaker remains actively engaged in consultations and democratic interactions with supporters and stakeholders across the constituency.
Supporters, party faithful, and stakeholders were also urged to remain calm, united, and law-abiding while disregarding what the statement described as false reports concerning his political status.