Labour Party Senator Neda Imasuen Announces Defection to APC

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District and currently serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, has announced his intention to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The senator is expected to formalize this move on Thursday, June 12, 2025, a date that also marks activities for his second anniversary in office. His decision was communicated through various channels, including statements made in Benin City and interviews.
Senator Imasuen attributed his decision to leave the Labour Party to significant internal issues, citing a "protracted leadership crisis," "disarray," and "chaos" within the LP. He pointed out that this lack of direction has substantially weakened the party's structure and rendered it incapable of supporting his political aspirations. The senator emphasized that his defection is a "strategic" move, not driven by "opportunism," and is aimed at better aligning his constituents in Edo South with federal development priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reflecting on his tenure, Senator Imasuen highlighted his accomplishments, particularly in his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. He stated that under his leadership, over 20 public petitions from across Nigeria have been successfully resolved. He emphasized that these "interventions have made a significant difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians."
Beyond his committee work, Senator Imasuen listed several key achievements for his constituency. These include spearheading the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Education in Abudu, implementing numerous vocational training schemes, and providing robust agricultural support programmes focusing on rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming. Regarding the agricultural initiatives, he noted, "There are testimonies from farmers whose yields have improved significantly." Other notable contributions include offering scholarships to students and launching rural health initiatives, such as the training of traditional birth attendants.
Looking to the future, Senator Imasuen pledged his continued commitment to youth empowerment, rural development, and improving health infrastructure in Edo South. He also affirmed his firm support for President Bola Tinubu’s policies and made a call for greater cooperation from local governments to ensure the sustainability of development efforts within his constituency.