Two Labour Party Federal Lawmakers Defect to Ruling APC

The Labour Party (LP) has lost two more federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as political shifts continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, formally defected to the APC on Thursday. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the move during plenary in Abuja.

In a letter read to the Senate, Imasuen stated his decision followed consultations with constituents, political stakeholders, and supporters across his district. He said they expressed a desire for him to join a party offering “national prominence and political relevance.”

“I want to align my senatorial district with the development goals and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Imasuen wrote. The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, cited “irreconcilable internal crises and leadership challenges” within the Labour Party as key reasons for leaving. He stated this turmoil hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents and deliver good governance.

Senate President Akpabio described Imasuen’s move as “very important for the benefit and peace of this country,” noting the senator had previously raised complaints about his former party.

In a parallel development announced during Thursday’s House of Representatives plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas confirmed that Chimaobi Atu, representing the Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, also defected from the Labour Party to the APC.

Atu, like Imasuen, attributed his departure to prolonged internal disputes within the Labour Party, which he said negatively impacted his legislative duties.

Following Atu’s announcement, Minority Whip Ali Isa protested the defection and called on the Speaker to declare Atu’s seat vacant. Speaker Abbas acknowledged the point of order but did not issue a ruling on the matter.

These defections follow closely on the heels of other recent political moves.

Peter Akpanke (representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency, Cross River State) defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Paul Nnamchi (representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency) defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.

Joseph Nwobashi (representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State) formally defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC.