Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election, Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, has dismissed as false and mischievous the rumours circulating on social media alleging that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Akpata described the reports as “malicious, mischievous, and utterly false,” insisting that they are fabrications designed to mislead the public.
“This is not only false but laughable. 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 said.
He expressed regret that social media continues to be weaponized as a tool for spreading falsehoods and manufacturing narratives with no basis in reality.
According to him, the increasing ease with which people accept and spread fake news without due diligence is worrisome.Akpata recalled that when he joined the Labour Party in March 2023, he did so openly, attending his first ward meeting at the Oredo Ward 6 Party Secretariat, where he was formally introduced and presented with his membership card.
He stressed that “nothing has changed” since then.The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, its ideals, and principles, pledging to continue investing his time and resources to ensure the party remains on course.> “No matter how many times a lie is shared, it will never become the truth.
I urge my friends, family, supporters, and well-wishers to disregard these unfounded rumours and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” he added.
Akpata contested the September 2024 Edo Governorship Election on the platform of the Labour Party and has remained one of the most prominent figures of the party in the state.
