A political adviser to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party (LP) is on the verge of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming days. The announcement has added momentum to the realignments and political maneuvering currently underway ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, the adviser, Mr. Paul Ebeaghe, stated that discussions between Senator Imasuen and top APC figures have reached an advanced stage, and a formal announcement of his defection will be made soon. The development is seen as a strategic boost to the ruling APC in Edo State, particularly in the buildup to the next electoral cycle.
Strategic Realignment in Edo Politics
Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was elected under the Labour Party platform during the 2023 general elections. His unexpected rise to the Senate was viewed as part of the “Obidient” movement that saw Labour Party candidates winning key legislative seats nationwide.
However, political analysts have observed that since the 2023 polls, internal divisions and weakened grassroots structures have hampered the Labour Party’s cohesion in the state. Sources close to the senator suggest that he has become increasingly disillusioned with the party’s direction at both the state and national levels.
According to Ebeaghe, Senator Imasuen’s anticipated move to the APC is not only a personal decision but also a strategic one aimed at aligning with the party that controls both the state and federal executive arms.
“Senator Neda Imasuen is a respected lawmaker and a son of Edo who has served with diligence and focus,” Ebeaghe said. “It is only natural that he wants to be part of a party that can deliver real development to his constituents. Talks are ongoing, and he will be received into the APC family in a matter of days.”
APC Optimistic About Growing Support
Governor Okpebholo’s camp has been vocal in recent weeks about efforts to consolidate power and expand the APC’s political base in Edo, ahead of the off-cycle governorship election. Senator Imasuen’s defection, if confirmed, would represent a significant gain for the ruling party, especially in Edo South where the APC is eager to strengthen its electoral footing.
“APC is the party of the people, and more politicians are realizing that,” Ebeaghe added. “We’re building a united front, and Senator Imasuen’s entry will inspire even more defections.”
Edo APC Chairman, Col. David Imuse (rtd), also welcomed the reports with cautious optimism, saying the party remains open to receiving credible leaders who wish to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
Mixed Reactions from Political Stakeholders
The news of the senator’s likely defection has sparked mixed reactions across political circles in Edo. While APC supporters are celebrating what they describe as a “major win,” members of the Labour Party have expressed disappointment, describing the rumored move as a betrayal of the party’s ideology and the mandate of the people.
A Labour Party youth leader in Benin City, Emmanuel Ogbemudia, criticized the senator’s alleged plan, warning that such a move could alienate him from the base that helped secure his victory.
“We worked hard to elect Senator Imasuen on the platform of the Labour Party,” Ogbemudia said. “If he defects to the APC, it will show that politicians are only loyal to their personal interests, not the people who voted for them.”
Others in the LP, however, acknowledged the party’s internal challenges and the absence of strong leadership as contributing factors pushing members toward other platforms.
Senator Imasuen Yet to Confirm
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Imasuen has not made any official comment regarding the speculation surrounding his political future. Attempts to reach his media team were unsuccessful.
However, sources close to the senator confirmed that he has recently held a series of closed-door meetings with top APC officials, both at the state and national levels. The meetings reportedly focused on strategy, integration, and future political roles.
While his silence has fueled speculation, observers note that it may be part of a calculated strategy to manage the political fallout of such a high-profile defection.
Implications for the 2024 Governorship Race
The possible defection of Senator Imasuen is widely seen as a game-changing move that could tilt the balance of power in Edo South in favor of the APC. The senatorial district is considered crucial in determining who clinches the governorship due to its large voter population.
With the Labour Party struggling to maintain relevance after the 2023 surge and the PDP still grappling with internal divisions, the APC is positioning itself as the most organized force going into the 2024 race.
Political commentators say Senator Imasuen’s entry, coupled with growing support for Governor Okpebholo, could strengthen the APC’s chances of retaining the state.
