Former Nigerian Bar Association President Olumide Akpata has denied rumors of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpata, who was the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, described the reports as “malicious” and “utterly false.” The 52-year-old stated that he has neither considered nor discussed switching his political allegiance to the APC and has no intention of doing so.

The rumors emerged on social media, alleging that Akpata was set to dump the Labour Party. However, in a statement released on Tuesday, Akpata stressed his commitment to the Labour Party and its ideals. He expressed surprise at the ease with which many people believed and spread the false rumors, noting that social media is often used to spread falsehoods and manufacture narratives that bear no resemblance to reality.

Akpata has been a member of the Labour Party since March 2023, when he joined openly and was formally introduced to party members at a ward meeting. He emphasized that his fidelity to the truth is non-negotiable and that he will continue to invest his time and resources in the party.

The denial comes as the Nigerian political landscape continues to evolve, with various parties and candidates positioning themselves for future elections. Akpata’s statement aims to reassure his supporters and clarify his political stance, urging them to disregard the unfounded rumors and treat them with contempt.

As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, Akpata’s commitment to the Labour Party is significant, and his denial of the rumors helps to maintain stability and clarity within the party. The incident highlights the challenges of navigating social media, where false information can spread quickly, and the importance of verifying facts before accepting them as true. With this clarification, Akpata’s focus remains on supporting the Labour Party and its principles, as he continues to engage with the Nigerian political scene.