Senator Neda Imasuen Dumps Labour Party, Cites Collapse of Leadership and Tinubu’s Bold Reforms

 

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, has announced his decision to abandon the Labour Party (LP) and align with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His formal declaration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 12, in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

The move comes amid deepening internal fractures within the LP, which Imasuen described as “a party in shreds,” lacking clarity of purpose, credible leadership, and ideological focus. In an exclusive chat with Sunday Vanguard, the senator expressed regret over the disintegration of the party he once hoped could represent the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

Leadership vacuum, according to Imasuen, has rendered the party incapable of taking a definitive stance on national matters. “At this point, you can’t even say who is leading the Labour Party. The crisis is so deep that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reportedly struggling to determine who the party’s legitimate chairman is,” he said.

His disenchantment with the LP, he explained, is not just rooted in organizational chaos, but also in what he termed a dangerous drift away from the aspirations of Nigerians. “The party no longer speaks to the people’s needs. There is no clear agenda, no direction. It's a ship with no compass.”

Senator Imasuen emphasized that his decision to join the APC is not merely a political calculation but a step toward contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. He cited the bold economic and political reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a key reason for his defection. “We must support a leader who is unafraid to act, even if the decisions are difficult,” he said.

He commended the President for what he called “fearless leadership” and “visionary policies,” arguing that Tinubu’s reforms—though contentious in some quarters—are rooted in long-term national interest. “He is addressing issues that have lingered for years because others feared the political consequences. That takes courage, and I deeply respect that.”

For Imasuen, the APC represents a stronger and more coherent platform through which he can advocate for policies that benefit not just his constituents in Edo South but the country as a whole. “This is about effective representation. The APC gives me that vehicle to engage meaningfully with governance and national reform.”

His switch bolsters the APC’s dominance in the 10th Senate, increasing the ruling party’s tally to 69 senators. This development further tips the legislative balance in favor of the ruling party, enabling smoother passage of key government policies.

More political realignments are also unfolding in Akwa Ibom State. Following Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, two PDP senators from the state—Sampson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) and Etim Bassey Aniekan (Akwa Ibom North-East)—are also preparing to cross over to the APC.

Once their formal declarations are made on the Senate floor, the APC’s strength in the upper legislative chamber will rise to 71 senators. The updated configuration will reflect a notable shift in Nigeria’s political calculus: APC 71, PDP 28, LP 4, NNPP 1, SDP 2, and APGA 1.

Observers believe the growing wave of defections signals a broader loss of confidence in opposition parties, particularly the LP and PDP, amid allegations of internal disunity and ideological inconsistency. Analysts argue that many lawmakers are choosing stability and influence over a prolonged stay in divided or disorganized camps.

Imasuen's departure, while symbolic, may also be a bellwether for future high-profile exits from the Labour Party, which has struggled to maintain momentum since the 2023 general elections. For the senator, however, the move marks a personal and political turning point.

“This is not just about party lines,” he said. “It’s about doing what is right for my people, for my state, and for Nigeria. It’s about aligning with a vision that works.”

As Nigeria’s political terrain continues to shift, the growing influence of the APC seems to be tightening its grip on the legislature, potentially setting the tone for the next phase of governance under President Tinubu’s watch. Whether this consolidation will yield the national dividends promised remains to be seen—but for defectors like Imasuen, the gamble is clearly worth taking.