The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese, has said his decision to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP) is driven by the wishes of his constituents dismissing speculations that his action is driven by governorship ambition
Mr Agbese, who serves as deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, formally announced his switch during Tuesday’s plenary.
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The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who read his letter on the floor alongside 25 other letters of defection, noted that Mr Agbese’s move marked a rare instance of a lawmaker defecting from “the majority party to the minority party.”
Speaking with journalists shortly after the announcement, Mr Agbese said his decision was informed by the political preferences of his constituents rather than personal ambition or internal disputes within his former party.
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“I want to categorically put it on record that our defection has nothing to do with any crisis between us and anybody. It is about service to our people,” he said. “Our people have taken a firm position that the Labour Party is the vehicle that will take them to their expected destination in 2027, and as a servant of the people, we have no choice but to align with that position.”
Addressing growing speculation about a possible governorship bid, the lawmaker said no such ambition influenced his decision.
“There is no governorship ambition in sight at the moment,” he stated. “We cannot rule out the future, but for now, this is about service. It is not about me; it is about the party and the people of Benue State.”
He added that his focus is on strengthening the Labour Party’s structure in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the party would field candidates across all elective positions.
Benue APC crisis in focus
Mr Agbese’s defection comes amid a prolonged internal crisis within the APC in Benue State, largely linked to the rift between the state governor, Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The dispute, which dates back to the aftermath of the 2023 general election, has polarised the party in the state. Mr Alia, who won the governorship on the APC platform, has faced resistance from loyalists of Mr Akume, a former governor, widely regarded as the party’s longstanding political leader in Benue.
Both camps have traded accusations over control of party structures and influence over elected officials.
While the governor’s supporters accuse Mr Akume of attempting to dominate party affairs from Abuja, the SGF’s allies argue that the governor has sidelined key stakeholders.
Efforts to reconcile both sides including interventions by the Presidency, the APC national leadership, and the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, have yet to produce a lasting resolution.
Although Mr Agbese denied that the crisis directly informed his exit, political observers believe the instability within the APC may have contributed to shifting loyalties among stakeholders in the state.
Despite leaving the APC, Mr Agbese expressed gratitude to Mr Akume, describing him as a political benefactor.
“He remains my father and greatest benefactor. I am grateful to him,” he said, while insisting that his decision was driven solely by the will of his constituents.
According to the lawmaker, a surge in grassroots support for the Labour Party in his constituency influenced his move. He cited party registration figures to support his claim that the LP has gained significant traction within a short period.
“If you are a good leader, you must listen to the people and follow the direction they are going,” he said.
Focus shifts to 2027 elections
Mr Agbese said his immediate priority is to reposition the Labour Party for electoral success in Benue, stressing that the focus should be on winning elections rather than continuing political rivalries.
“This is a new party and a new family. It is not time to fight; it is time to win elections,” he said.
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He acknowledged the party’s national leadership, including its chairman, Nenadi Usman, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing the latter as a key figure in the party.
Mr Agbese added that the Labour Party would contest all elections in Benue State and could align with broader national strategies depending on decisions taken by its leadership ahead of 2027.
“Our strategy is centred on how the Labour Party will win elections in Benue State,” he said. “For now, it is about the people, mama, papa and ‘pikin’ and delivering the dividends of democracy.”
