Representative Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has completed his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the Labour Party, marking the first recorded party switch within the 10th National Assembly.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, formally announced the political realignment during plenary on Tuesday. House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmaker’s official correspondence on the floor, acknowledged the transition. The Speaker noted Agbese cited persistent internal challenges within his former party as the primary reason for exiting. Abbas also recorded that no other member had crossed to the opposition since the current legislative term commenced.
Despite the change in party affiliation, Agbese reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s national policy agenda, stating that his district’s developmental priorities remain aligned with federal objectives. Following the session, he explained that the decision followed consultations with constituents ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. He dismissed speculation linking the move to a gubernatorial ambition in Benue State, emphasizing that his focus will remain on organisational strengthening and voter mobilisation for the Labour Party. Agbese also pledged cooperation with national party leadership, including Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, while acknowledging regional figures such as Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
Addressing why he did not align with the African Democratic Congress, which maintains historical ties to southern Benue, Agbese cited direct voter preference. He reported that Labour Party registration drives in his district secured over 10,000 new members in a short period, outpacing rival groups. The lawmaker also recognised Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume as a longstanding political mentor, while maintaining that his departure reflects constituent consensus rather than individual influence or political pressure.
The transition highlights shifting legislative alignments as political organisations adjust recruitment strategies ahead of upcoming elections. The development will reshape party metrics in Benue State and inform membership tracking across the National Assembly as lawmakers prepare for future electoral cycles.
