FIRST MAJOR DEFECTION IN 10TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AS HON. PHILIP AGBESE DUMPS APC FOR LABOUR PARTY, CITES INTERNAL CRISIS AND CONSTITUENTS’ DEMAND

A significant political shift has emerged within Nigeria’s National Assembly as Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP), a development that has stirred notable reactions across the legislative chamber.

Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, formally announced his defection during plenary on Tuesday following the House’s resumption, marking a rare and symbolic departure from the ruling party within the current assembly.

The announcement was conveyed through a letter read on the floor by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who disclosed that the lawmaker attributed his decision to persistent internal crises rocking the APC.

Despite his exit from the ruling party, Agbese reaffirmed his support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that his constituency remains aligned with the vision and that he would continue to support it.

Reacting to the development, Speaker Abbas expressed visible surprise, noting the unprecedented nature of the move within the 10th National Assembly.

“Honourable colleagues, we have the first member of the 10th House of Representatives leaving the majority party to join the Labour Party. Members of the Labour Party should please appreciate him,” Abbas said.

In a chat with journalists shortly after the plenary session, Agbese maintained that his decision was driven strictly by the interests of his constituents, dismissing speculations that linked his defection to any governorship ambition in Benue State.

He explained that the move followed wide consultations with stakeholders in his constituency, who collectively opted for a new political direction under the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Agbese also pledged unwavering loyalty to the leadership of the Labour Party, including its National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, while acknowledging Alex Otti as a key figure shaping the party’s growing national influence.

Reiterating his priorities, the lawmaker stressed that his focus would be on strengthening the party’s structure in Benue State and mobilising grassroots support for future electoral victories, rather than engaging in political confrontations.

Addressing questions on why he did not align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite its leadership having roots in Benue South, Agbese clarified that the decision was based solely on the preference of his constituents, whom he described as strongly aligned with the Labour Party.

He further revealed that within days of commencing membership registration in his constituency, the Labour Party recorded over 10,000 new members, surpassing other political parties in the area, an indication of shifting political sentiments at the grassroots.

While acknowledging his emerging role as a leading figure within the party in Benue State, Agbese ruled out any immediate governorship ambition, noting that the party would present another candidate for the position when the time comes.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, describing him as a mentor and benefactor.

According to the lawmaker, his defection was neither influenced by individuals nor external political pressure, but rather a reflection of the collective will of his constituents, to whom he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to service.