Edo South Senator to Defect to APC Amid Labour Party Crisis

⁤ ‍ Updated June ⁤9,⁤ 2025

sen. Neda ⁣Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday,⁢ June 12, 2025. Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, cited ongoing internal ⁢strife ⁤within the Labour Party as the ‍primary reason for his‍ decision.

Elected to the Senate in 2023 under⁣ the LP banner, imasuen said his ⁣defection is ⁣a strategic ⁢move to foster development in Edo South by aligning with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government. He explained ‍that the Labour Party’s disunity has hindered his legislative efforts and ability to attract federal resources to his district.

Imasuen stated that joining the APC ⁤is essential‍ to integrate his senatorial zone into mainstream Nigerian politics and benefit from⁣ the⁢ Tinubu⁤ administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He believes Edo south can only gain from federal projects and socioeconomic advancement by aligning with the ruling party.

⁢ “I will be leaving the ⁣Labour Party to the APC as the current disarray in the LP will not help me achieve my aim for my people. My movement will also help align Edo South with the federal government and bring development to our people,” Imasuen said.
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Imasuen emphasized that his decision is not political opportunism but a practical step to better serve his constituents. He pointed⁤ to his legislative and community achievements‍ as proof of his dedication to development, which he intends to further under the⁤ APC.

He noted⁣ challenges such as insufficient cooperation from local government structures and ⁤difficulties ⁢in sustaining constituency projects due to budgetary and ⁢political constraints. Many initiatives in health, education, youth empowerment, and rural infrastructure have stalled due to a lack of political will and coordination.

‍ “What we need now is cooperation. Our local governments must ⁣be active participants ⁣in the development process.My ⁣work has always ⁣been about the people, and I want to ensure we benefit⁤ from the opportunities available under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Imasuen said.
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Imasuen reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration, praising his economic reforms, youth programs, and commitment to national unity. He believes joining the⁣ APC is⁤ in⁤ Edo South’s‍ best interest, unlocking federal resources and policy attention for the region.

Imasuen’s defection follows similar moves by four Edo State⁢ House of Assembly members—Hon.Donald Okugbe,‍ Hon. ⁢Luminous Iyamu,hon. Richard Edosa, and Hon.Sunday Ojezele—who also left ⁣their parties for⁢ the APC earlier this year, citing internal crises and⁤ political realignment.

Political analysts view ⁤these defections ⁣as a meaningful shift⁤ in Edo State’s political landscape,particularly ahead of the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election. The APC is increasing its control of lawmakers at both state and federal levels,⁤ strengthening its position.

The Labour Party leadership has criticized the defections, calling them‍ a betrayal of‍ voters’ trust and threatening legal action under Section 68(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which⁤ outlines conditions for ⁤legislators changing‍ parties without losing their⁤ seats.

Despite potential legal challenges, imasuen is confident his decision aligns with the law⁢ and his constitutional rights. His focus remains on delivering benefits to the people of Edo‍ South, especially in health services, ‍job creation, infrastructure, and rural empowerment.

What’s next

As Edo State’s political‍ habitat evolves,⁣ Senator Imasuen’s ‍defection is expected to fuel further discussions about the Labour Party’s⁤ future in the ⁣state and the realignment of⁤ power leading up to critical ‍elections.