Sen. Imasuen attributed his defection to “irreconcilable internal crises and leadership challenges” within the LP.
The ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the senate have once again swelled following the defection of Sen. Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo south senatorial district, from the Labour Party (LP).
Sen. Imasuen’s defection was formally announced during Wednesday’s plenary by the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, who read a letter from the lawmaker conveying his decision to leave the Labour Party.
In the letter, Sen. Imasuen who chairs the committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, attributed his defection to “irreconcilable internal crises and leadership challenges” within the LP, which he said had “hampered [his] capacity to effectively represent and deliver on the true mandate of governance to the good people of Edo South.”
He added that his decision followed “extensive consultations” with constituents, political stakeholders, and supporters across Edo south, who reportedly urged him to join a party that could offer greater political relevance and national visibility for the district.
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The senator further explained: “I want to align my senatorial district with the development and the renewed hope agenda of the current administration.”
With this defection, the APC now holds 69 seats in the senate, further consolidating its majority. The Labour Party’s representation drops to four senators. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retains 30 seats, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds one seat, bringing the total to 107 occupied seats.
Two seats remain vacant: Anambra south, following the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, and Edo central, due to the election of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo state.
This latest shift in party allegiance is likely to impact legislative negotiations and reinforce the APC’s influence over key policy and oversight decisions in the 10th national assembly.
