Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Edo State election and past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has refuted rumours linking him to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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In a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, September 16, Akpata described the reports as “malicious, mischievous and utterly false,” stressing that he remains firmly committed to the Labour Party.
He wrote:
“In the past 24 hours, a malicious, mischievous and utterly false rumour has been concocted in the dark alleys of social media, and unfortunately amplified by mischief-makers, alleging that I have abandoned the Labour Party, the very platform on which I contested the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, to join the APC. This is not only false but laughable.
I state without equivocation that I have neither contemplated, discussed, nor effected a defection to the APC, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have no intention of ever joining the APC.”
Akpata explained that he initially intended to ignore the rumours but decided to respond after receiving numerous calls and messages from concerned family members, friends, and supporters.
He emphasised that he remains “unapologetically committed” to the Labour Party and its ideals, noting that he would continue to invest his time and resources in ensuring the party stays on course.
The former NBA president also cautioned Nigerians against the spread of misinformation, lamenting how easily falsehoods gain traction on social media.
“Given that we live in an era increasingly defined by deepfakes and relentless online rumour mongering, it is incumbent on us all to carry out minimum due diligence before joining in the fray. No matter how many times a lie is shared, it will never become the truth,” he said.
Akpata recalled that when he joined the Labour Party in March 2023, he did so openly and transparently by attending his ward meeting in Oredo Ward 6, where he was introduced to members and presented with his party membership card.
He urged his supporters to disregard the rumours, insisting nothing has changed regarding his political allegiance.
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