Olumide Akpata denies APC defection, calling viral rumours false and laughable, reaffirming his loyalty to the Labour Party after Edo election loss
Olumide Akpata denies APC defection, dismissing recent speculation as a false narrative pushed by political mischief-makers in the aftermath of the Edo governorship election.
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The former Labour Party (LP) candidate and ex-President of the Nigerian Bar Association on Tuesday strongly refuted claims that he had abandoned the LP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the rumours as “malicious” and “laughable.”
“In the past 24 hours, a malicious, mischievous and utterly false rumour has been concocted in the dark alleys of social media… alleging that I have abandoned the Labour Party… to join the APC,” Akpata said in a statement issued from his campaign office.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who joined the LP in 2023 to much fanfare, ran as its gubernatorial candidate in the September 2024 election in Edo State.
Though he eventually lost to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, Akpata’s campaign was widely credited with energising the youth vote and further solidifying LP’s grassroots appeal.
“This is not only false but laughable. I state without equivocation that I have neither contemplated, discussed, nor effected a defection to the APC,” he affirmed.
Akpata’s swift rebuttal comes amid shifting political alliances in Edo following the recent election.
With the Peoples Democratic Party consolidating power, rumours of potential cross-party defections have been rife—particularly as parties begin early positioning for the 2027 general elections.
Observers believe Akpata remains a key figure in LP’s strategic outlook, especially among young voters and professionals who see his brand of politics as a refreshing alternative to the traditional establishment.
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Despite the electoral setback, Akpata appears poised to maintain his relevance in Edo politics and within the broader national conversation.
