The senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has officially announced his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal wrangling within his former party.
Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, made the announcement during a press briefing in Benin City, the Edo State capital, where he described the move as “strategic” and “in the best interest of the people of Edo South”.
“After careful consultation with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders, I have decided to move to the All Progressives Congress,” Imasuen said.
“This decision is not borne out of opportunism but a strategic choice to better position myself to deliver on my mandate.”
The senator, who has served as a prominent figure within the Labour Party since his election in 2023, disclosed that his formal defection ceremony will take place on June 12, coinciding with his second anniversary in office.
Imasuen came into the national spotlight during his tenure as chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, where he oversaw a number of high-profile investigations, including a petition involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Details of that particular probe remain a subject of political debate after the committee ignored the court ruling and went ahead with its investigation and suspended the Kogi senator.
“Under my leadership, the committee has successfully resolved over 20 public petitions from across the country,” he noted.
“These interventions have brought justice and relief to many ordinary Nigerians who would otherwise have been ignored.”
Addressing his achievements in office, Imasuen highlighted several developmental initiatives, including the passage of a bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Abudu, multiple constituency projects, and youth-focused programmes.
“We’ve introduced vocational training schemes, agricultural support initiatives, scholarships, and rural health outreach programs targeting traditional birth attendants,” he said.
“In the agricultural sector, our efforts have led to improved productivity in rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming across Edo South. There are real testimonies from farmers whose yields have improved significantly.”
The senator emphasised the importance of local government cooperation in sustaining these development efforts and pledged to continue working toward the economic and social advancement of his constituency.
“We cannot build Edo South alone. I am calling for more active engagement from local governments to support and sustain our developmental vision.”
On national politics, Imasuen expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s policies, particularly in the areas of economic reform, rural development, and youth empowerment.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with my vision for Edo South. I believe my move to the APC will help attract more federal attention and resources to our district.”
