Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has dismissed rumours linking him to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as “malicious” and “laughable.”
Akpata, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Nigerian Bar Association president, joined the LP in 2023 and contested the September 2024 governorship election, where he lost to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo. His campaign was credited with energising young voters and strengthening the LP’s profile in Edo politics.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akpata said:
> “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.”
He accused political detractors of fabricating the rumour to undermine him, stressing that he remains firmly committed to the Labour Party.
His denial comes amid speculation of defections and realignments in Edo State politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
