In another blow to Nigeria’s opposition ranks, two federal lawmakers from the Labour Party (LP) — Senator Neda Imasuen and Hon. Chimaobi Atu — have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the country’s ruling party. Their exits come amid a wave of defections reshaping the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Imasuen: “I Must Align With National Priorities”
During Thursday’s Senate plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), in which the lawmaker declared his decision to join the APC after “extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders.”
“I want to align my senatorial district with the development goals and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Imasuen stated.
He cited internal crises and leadership dysfunction within the Labour Party as core reasons for his defection, claiming that the ongoing turbulence hindered his ability to effectively represent Edo South.
Akpabio welcomed the move, saying it was “very important for the benefit and peace of this country,” and noted that the senator had previously complained about the LP’s internal divisions.
Legal Context: Can a Defecting Lawmaker Keep Their Seat?
Under Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution, a lawmaker must vacate their seat if they defect from the party on whose platform they were elected — unless their original party is in crisis. This clause is now at the center of growing debate as opposition leaders threaten to challenge recent defections in court.
Atu Joins APC, Faces Protest in House
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Atu (Enugu North/South) also announced his switch from LP to APC. His decision was read aloud by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.
Atu, echoing Imasuen’s reasoning, said internal wrangling within the Labour Party had rendered him ineffective in fulfilling his legislative mandate.
However, his defection did not go unchallenged. Minority Whip Ali Isa raised a point of order, urging the Speaker to declare Atu’s seat vacant in line with constitutional provisions. Abbas acknowledged the concern but withheld ruling, saying the matter required further legal review.
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A Pattern of Political Realignment
These moves follow closely on the heels of three other defections to the APC:
- Peter Akpanke (PDP, Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara – Cross River)
- Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu East/Isi-Uzo)
- Joseph Nwobashi (APGA, Ezza North/Ishielu – Ebonyi State)
As a result, the APC now controls more than 67 of 109 Senate seats, and a growing bloc in the House — inching closer to a two-thirds majority that could allow the party to pass constitutional amendments and reshape Nigeria’s governance framework.
“This is part of a broader strategy to consolidate governance and legislative synergy under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” a senior APC official told New Daily Prime under condition of anonymity.
LP Reacts: “Defectors Should Be Held Accountable”
The Labour Party, in a swift statement issued by its National Secretary, Umar Farouk, condemned the defections, calling them a “betrayal of voter trust.”
“These lawmakers were elected by Nigerians on the strength of our manifesto and our promise to build a people-first democracy. Their actions are not only disappointing — they are anti-democratic,” Farouk said.
He also hinted that the party is exploring legal options to reclaim its seats, arguing that the cited “internal crisis” is not recognized by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Political Analysts: “Classic Power Play Before 2027”
Observers see the ongoing defections as part of a strategic repositioning for the 2027 general elections.
“This is not unusual. In Nigerian politics, access to federal power is often a deciding factor. Many lawmakers will gravitate toward the center to protect their careers,” said political analyst Dr. Grace Onome, of the Centre for Democracy and Legislative Studies (CDLS).
There are growing reports that more opposition lawmakers are in talks with the APC leadership. With constitutional amendments and electoral reforms likely on the legislative agenda, the ruling party may be positioning itself for unchallenged control of the National Assembly.
Voices from Constituents
In Benin City, a local youth leader from Edo South expressed mixed feelings:
“We voted for LP because we believed in change. If Senator Imasuen believes he can do more in APC, we’ll watch closely — but trust has to be earned again.”
New Daily Prime will continue to monitor unfolding developments and provide verified updates as Nigeria’s political map continues to shift ahead of 2027.
