Former Nigerian Bar Association President Olumide Akpata has denied rumors that he is joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, called the reports “malicious” and “utterly false.” The 52‑year‑old said he has never considered or discussed switching his political allegiance to the APC and has no intention of doing so.
The rumors surfaced on social media, alleging that Akpata was about to abandon the Labour Party. In a statement released on Tuesday, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party and its ideals, expressing surprise at how readily many people believed and spread the false claims. He noted that social media often disseminates misinformation and manufactures 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 Nigeria’s political landscape evolves, 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. As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, his commitment to the Labour Party helps maintain stability and clarity within the party.
The incident highlights the challenges of navigating social media, where false information can spread quickly, and underscores 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 in the Nigerian political scene.
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