Political Surprise: Speaker Stunned by Agbese’s Shift to Labour Party
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has transitioned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP), a decision that has prompted reactions within the National Assembly.
Agbese, who serves the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, officially declared his shift during the assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday following the House’s reconvening.
While presenting his letter on the chamber floor, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, indicated that the legislator cited ongoing internal conflicts within the APC as the reason for his departure.
Notwithstanding his move, Agbese reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, asserting that his constituency continues to align with the vision and that he would persist in backing it.
Reacting to the news, Speaker Abbas expressed astonishment at the development, highlighting that no member had departed from the ruling party for another since the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration.
“Honourable colleagues, we have the inaugural member of the 10th House of Representatives switching from the majority party to the Labour Party. Members of the Labour Party should kindly acknowledge him,” Abbas remarked.
In a conversation with reporters shortly thereafter, Agbese stated that his choice was motivated by the interests of his constituents and dismissed rumors connecting his defection to a gubernatorial aspiration in Benue State.
He clarified that the decision came after discussions with his community, who opted for a fresh political path under the Labour Party in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
Agbese also committed his allegiance to the Labour Party leadership, including its National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and recognized Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a prominent figure within the party.
He emphasized that his priority would be on bolstering the party in Benue and rallying support for forthcoming elections, rather than engaging in political disputes.
When asked why he did not align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite its leadership having ties to Benue South, Agbese explained that the decision was strictly guided by the preferences of his constituents, whom he described as firmly aligned with the Labour Party.
He disclosed that within just days of initiating registration in his constituency, the Labour Party registered over 10,000 new members, outpacing other parties in the region.
While recognizing his role as a significant figure in the party in Benue, Agbese dismissed any immediate gubernatorial ambitions, stating that the party would nominate another candidate for the position in due course.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, regarding him as a mentor and benefactor.
He asserted that his defection was driven not by individuals or political pressures but by the collective desires of his constituents, whom he remains dedicated to serving.
