Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving the Labour Party (LP) amid internal party disputes. His defection has drawn national attention, not just for its political implications but also due to his controversial past and current influence in the Senate.

Here are seven key facts about the APC’s latest addition:

1. Recent Defection from Labour Party (LP)

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, officially left the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 25 June 2025. He cited unresolved leadership crises in the LP and the need to align with a nationally recognised party to better serve his constituents.

2. Chairs a Key Senate Committee

Imasuen currently serves as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, a position that gives him oversight on legislative standards and conduct.

3. Disbarred in the United States

In 2010, Imasuen was disbarred from practising law in New York following a complaint by a client, Daphne Slyfield. He failed to respond to the grievance within the required time, and the allegations were upheld, leading to his disbarment.

4. Background in International Consultancy

After returning to Nigeria post-disbarment, Imasuen worked as a consultant with the European Union’s State Reforming Institutional Programme, where he coordinated activities in Jigawa State.

5. Won Senate Seat on LP Ticket

He was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2023 under the Labour Party platform, representing the Edo South Senatorial District.

6. Played Role in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

As chair of the ethics committee, Imasuen was involved in the review that led to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was suspended for alleged misconduct following a committee recommendation during a plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

7. Strengthens APC Majority in Senate

With his defection, APC’s representation in the Senate increased to 69 out of 109 seats, further consolidating the ruling party’s control of the upper chamber.