Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, has dismissed reports that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpata made this denial in a public statement on  Tuesday, September 16, describing the rumours as “malicious, mischievous, and utterly false,” insisting that his commitment to the Labour Party remains unwavering.

The former Governorship candidate stated that he has “neither contemplated, discussed, nor effected a defection to the APC” and that he has no intention of ever joining the APC.

The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, who contested the 2024 Edo State governorship election under the LP, noted that social media had once again been weaponised by “the usual suspects” to spread falsehoods designed to mislead the public.

He explained that although his instinct was to ignore the rumours, the sheer volume of calls and messages from concerned family, friends and supporters compelled him to issue a clarification.

Akpata also cautioned Nigerians to exercise due diligence before believing or sharing unverified stories, especially in an era he described as being “increasingly defined by deepfakes and relentless online rumour-mongering.”

Reaffirming his allegiance to the Labour Party, Akpata recalled how he openly joined the party in March 2023, attended his first ward meeting in Oredo Ward 6, and was formally introduced to members before receiving his membership card.

“Nothing has changed. I remain firmly and unapologetically committed to the Labour Party and the ideals and principles it represents,” he stressed.

Akpata urged his supporters and the general public to disregard the defection rumours and treat them with contempt.