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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
In what may be described as a major political shift in Benue State, the Member representing Ado/Okpokwu /Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has formally aligned with the Labour Party (LP) in Benue State, expressing a growing confidence in an emerging political movement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbese, who spoke to newsmen at the LP’s state congress in Makurdi, framed his defection as both a constitutional right and a strategic decision driven by changing political realities on the ground, citing disillusionment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In metaphoric lines, the lawmaker likened his departure from the APC to abandoning a troubled aircraft or a sinking ship mid-journey.
When asked why he left the APC and why he joined the Labour Party rather than any other, Agbese said, “the beauty of multi-party democracy and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the freedom to associate and move.
He explained that “just like a man on a trip to the United Kingdom, I went on a particular airline, I got to my destination, and now I want to return back. And I feel that that vessel that took me on the last journey has developed technical issues. The tyres are no longer in place.
“If we assess the APC, from what we have seen today, you know definitely that the ship is going to capsize on the hook.
“So what I have done as a very good pilot is to stop at the terminal here and board a new vehicle. And today the Labour Party is the vehicle that every Benue person should join, particularly the ordinary citizens of Benue State, who have been downtrodden for a very long time, people who have been short-changed, people who have been deceived. Today all of us, we can see better. And we are all in the Labour Party.”
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Agbese, who expressed dissatisfaction among segments of the electorate in Benue, suggested that the APC, once dominant, is losing public confidence and could face electoral setbacks if current trends persist.
The lawmaker emphasised that his decision was not made in isolation but represents the collective will of his constituents in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
According to him, the Labour Party has become a rallying platform for citizens who feel marginalized and underserved saying, “Today, the Labour Party represents hope for ordinary people, those who have been shortchanged and neglected for too long.
Speaking at the Congress Dinner for the new state executives, Agent who is also the Deputy Spokesperson at the House of Representatives, said the success of the congresses is a declaration of their intent to build a new kind of politics, one rooted in service fairness and dignity for every citizen.
“As a Labour Party leader in Benue state, I commit to those things that will enhance our membership drive galvanized the organic love and support which our party enjoys from all and sundry what closely with the party hierarchy at the state and national levels to ensure credible sellable and capable candidates are fielded for 2027 elections.
“But I cannot do this alone the strength of the Labor Party is in our unity our grassroots organization and the shared belief that politics can do better I call on every member executive and stakeholder present let us bind together in discipline peaceful and focus mobilisation let us reject divisive tactics and concentration on issues that matter to our people.”
“Let it also be a renewed commitment that Benue state will have party leaders that listen, work and deliver. I asked for your prayers, your partnership and when the time comes, your vote. Together we can change the story of party politics in Benue state and build the future of dignity and opportunity for all in Nigeria.”
He solicited for the support, guidance and blessings of elders and stakeholders promising to be credible, visible and accountable in building the party towards greatness.
