Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents the Edo South Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Labour Party (LP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was formally announced during Wednesday’s Senate plenary session, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out a letter from the lawmaker conveying his decision.
In the letter, Senator Imasuen explained that his decision to part ways with the Labour Party followed “extensive consultations” with constituents and political stakeholders across Edo South.
According to him, his defection is a strategic move aimed at ensuring that his senatorial district is better positioned for national visibility and access to federal opportunities under the platform of the ruling party.
“This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political stakeholders, and supporters across Edo South Senatorial District,” he wrote. “They have expressed their desire to see me join a party that can provide our people with national prominence and sustainable political relevance.”
The Senator pointed to deep-seated internal strife within the Labour Party as a major reason for his departure. He lamented that the unresolved leadership crises and internal wrangling within the party had significantly hindered his ability to deliver meaningful representation and fulfill his legislative mandate.
“My defection is necessitated by irreconcilable internal crises and leadership challenges within the Labour Party,” he said. “These issues have hampered my capacity to effectively represent and deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo South.”
Senator Imasuen also noted that aligning with the APC offers a better platform to contribute to national development. He pledged his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and said his decision was informed by a desire to align with a party that is currently in control of the federal government.
He further assured his constituents that, despite his change in party affiliation, his commitment to public service, democratic values, and the interests of the Edo South people remains steadfast.
“I remain fully committed to the service of my constituents and the democratic ideals of this Senate,” he declared, requesting that his resignation be formally documented in the Senate records.
Senator Imasuen’s defection adds to the growing number of lawmakers exiting the Labour Party amid its persistent internal turbulence. His departure comes as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, highlighting growing uncertainty within the opposition party.