Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has debunked reports that he has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Akpata described the speculation as “malicious, mischievous, and utterly false,” insisting that he remains committed to the Labour Party.
“In the past 24 hours, a malicious 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 to join the APC. This is not only false but laughable,” Akpata said.
The senior lawyer stressed that at no time had he contemplated, discussed, or effected a defection to the APC, adding that he has no intention of ever doing so.
“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. I remain firmly and unapologetically committed to the Labour Party and the ideals and principles it represents,” he added.
Akpata, who joined the Labour Party in March 2023, recalled that he publicly registered at Oredo Ward 6 Secretariat in Edo State, where he was formally introduced and issued his membership card. He emphasised that nothing had changed regarding his political affiliation.
While condemning the spread of falsehoods on social media, Akpata urged his supporters, family, and the public to disregard the rumours.
“No matter how many times a lie is shared, it will never become the truth,” he said, stressing his continued loyalty to the Labour Party and its vision.
