Benue Labour Party Chapter Denies Philip Agbese’s Defection, Rejects Interim Appointment
The Benue State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has officially denied reports that former member Philip Agbese has defected to the party and rejected the alleged appointment of his media aide as interim state chairman. The state leadership described the reports as “misleading, illegal, and unconstitutional.”
The controversy arose after widespread media announcements claimed Agbese had joined the LP and that Williams Ochonu, his aide, had been appointed to lead an interim executive in Benue. In a formal statement, State Chairman Ambassador Emmanuel Agida and Secretary Comrade Matthew Buter asserted that no such defection had been recognised by the party.
“The recent news claiming that Hon. Philip Agbese has defected to the Labour Party is, at best, misleading,” the statement read. It maintained that the duly elected executive under Agida remains the legitimate leadership, dismissing any claim of a transfer of power as “false, null, and void” and without constitutional basis.
The statement referenced a February 16, 2026, letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the LP’s National Interim Committee, noting that INEC clarified the interim body lacks authority to dissolve or appoint state executives. The Benue leadership accused the national interim committee of attempting to impose a new structure in violation of party rules and constitution.
Emphasising internal democracy, the LP stated that membership and leadership changes must originate from grassroots ward units. “Political processes within the party are not determined by media declarations or ‘breaking news’ headlines,” the statement said, adding that no proper ward-level process occurred regarding Agbese’s reported entry. The party advised Agbese to follow established channels if he wishes to join.
In a separate open letter, Labour Party Chairman for Orokam Ward 3, Umama Andrew, criticised Agbese’s actions as destabilising. He urged due process, stating the LP is “not an organization for unscrupulous politicians” and that leadership changes require consultation with recognised structures.
Meanwhile, Dr. John Ade Iguve, a stakeholder in Ado Local Government, welcomed new members but cautioned against bypassing constitutional procedures. “Any changes to leadership… must be done in consultation with key stakeholders,” he said, warning that imposed decisions would be resisted.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between state chapters and the national interim committee over control of the LP’s structure in Benue, with the state executives insisting on adherence to constitutional processes over media-driven appointments.
