Edo South Senator Neda Imasuen to Defect from Labour Party to APC Amidst Internal Party Turmoil
Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, has announced his impending defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 12, citing internal disarray within the LP as the primary reason for his move.
Speaking during a Sunday event in Benin marking his second year in office, Imasuen framed his decision as a strategic alignment with federal development priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He asserted that this shift is not opportunistic but intended to accelerate development efforts for his constituents.
Defection: Strategic Move or Political Convenience?
While Senator Imasuen highlighted a list of legislative and constituency achievements including the Federal College of Education, Abudu (Establishment) Bill, vocational training programs, agricultural support initiatives, and rural health interventions critics question whether his defection genuinely serves the interest of Edo South or merely reflects political expediency in a volatile party landscape.
His assertion that the Labour Party’s “disarray” hampers his ability to deliver on promises raises questions about the LP’s internal governance but also invites scrutiny over whether elected officials are prioritizing party ideology or personal political survival.
Achievements vs. Political Realities
Imasuen pointed to various community projects, including scholarships for students, training for traditional birth attendants, and agricultural initiatives targeting rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming. These efforts are commendable, yet the sustainability of such projects often hinges on consistent funding and political will, factors that can be complicated by frequent party-switching.
Furthermore, the senator admitted to challenges in sustaining constituency projects, citing the need for stronger cooperation from local government bodies. This admission underscores structural obstacles beyond party affiliation that may limit developmental outcomes.
Aligning with the Federal Government: Gains or Compromise?
By joining the APC, Imasuen argues that Edo South will benefit from closer alignment with the federal government’s development agenda. However, this rationale raises concerns about the growing trend of elected officials switching parties to gain political favor or federal patronage, potentially at the expense of democratic principles and voter mandates.
Political Implications and Public Perception
This defection occurs amid increasing political fluidity in Nigeria, where party loyalty often succumbs to strategic recalibrations. While Imasuen’s supporters may welcome increased access to federal resources, critics warn that such moves erode party ideologies and weaken the electorate’s confidence in the democratic process.
Senator Imasuen’s planned defection from the Labour Party to the APC highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s political system, where party coherence and ideological commitment are frequently overshadowed by tactical maneuvering. Whether this move will translate into tangible benefits for Edo South or merely serve political calculations remains to be seen, as the state and nation watch closely.
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Edo South Senator Neda Imasuen to Defect from Labour Party to APC Amidst Internal Party Turmoil