LP senator, rep member defect to APC
The Labour Party (LP) has again lost two of its federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday announced the defection of Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, during plenary in Abuja. In his letter […]
The Labour Party (LP) has again lost two of its federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday announced the defection of Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, during plenary in Abuja.
In his letter to the Senate, Imasuen said his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents, political stakeholders, and supporters across the district. He said they had expressed the desire for him to join a party that could provide national prominence and political relevance.
“I want to align my senatorial district with the development goals and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he stated.
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Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, cited irreconcilable internal crises and leadership challenges within the Labour Party as key factors in his defection. According to him, the turmoil in the party had hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents and deliver good governance.
Commenting on the development, Akpabio said Imasuen’s move was “very important for the benefit and peace of this country,” adding that the lawmaker had previously raised complaints about the situation within his former party.
In a similar move, Chimaobi Atu, who represents the Enugu North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also dumped the Labour Party for the APC. His defection was announced during Thursday’s plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Atu, like Imasuen, attributed his departure to the prolonged internal wrangling within the Labour Party, which he said had negatively affected his legislative duties.
However, Minority Whip Ali Isa protested the defection and called on the Speaker to declare Atu’s seat vacant. Abbas acknowledged the point of order but refrained from ruling on the matter.
The defections come just days after two other lawmakers — Peter Akpanke and Paul Nnamchi — joined the APC. Akpanke, who represents Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State, was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo, was previously with the Labour Party.
Additionally, Joseph Nwobashi, representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, formally left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the APC.