Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election, has publicly denied widespread rumours that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Apata in a statement released on Monday, labelled the reports as a “malicious, mischievous and utterly false” fabrication.
The former governorship candidate explained that he felt compelled to issue the statement after being inundated with a high volume of calls and messages from concerned family, friends, and supporters over the past 24 hours.
The false news, which spread quickly across social media platforms, had caused significant confusion and worry among his political base.
Mr Akpata stated without any hesitation that he has not at any point considered, discussed, or made plans to leave the Labour Party for the APC. “For the avoidance of doubt. I have no intention of ever joining the APC”, he said.
He reaffirmed his “firm and unapologetic” commitment to the Labour Party and the core principles and ideals it represents. He further promised to continue investing his time and resources to help build and strengthen the party.
Reflecting on the situation, Akpata expressed his disappointment at how readily many people believed and shared the false report. He used the opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of the digital age, where deepfake technology and organised online rumour campaigns can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.
He urged everyone to perform basic checks before sharing unverified information, noting it is regrettable that social media is so often used as a tool to spread complete falsehoods.
The politician recalled his very public joining of the Labour Party in March 2023, mentioning that he formally attended his first ward meeting at the Party Secretariat in Oredo Ward 6, where he was introduced to members and presented with his membership card. He emphasised that his commitment remains unchanged.
In his closing remarks, Akpata urged his supporters and the general public to completely disregard the rumours and to treat them with the contempt they deserve. “No matter how many times a lie is shared,” he concluded, “it will never become the truth.” The statement was signed off with his familiar signature, “Your Guy,” reinforcing his connection to his supporters.
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