Defection: You Shall No Longer Labour In Vain, Akpabio Tells Sen Imasuen

Two weeks after defecting from the Labour Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen was officially received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio into the ruling party.

Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, switched allegiance to the APC on June 12 in Benin-City, citing the leadership crisis in the LP as his reason for abandoning the party.

The lawmaker’s defection was officially communicated through a letter addressed to the Senate President and read during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The letter partly read, “This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, political stakeholders and supporters across Edo South Senatorial District, who have expressed their desire to have me enter a party that will give our people national prominence and political relevance.”

Imasuen also stressed that his move to the APC aligns with his intention to key into the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Edo South and contributing to national development through legislative work in the Senate.

Shortly after he finished reading the defection letter, Akpabio and other APC bigwigs at the plenary reached out to the Edo lawmaker to congratulate him.

“Distinguished Senator Neda Imasuen, You shall no longer ‘Labour’ in vain. Your defection has been well documented.

“You may now graciously move to your new party. Kindly approach the chair for a handshake,” Akpabio announced as fellow lawmakers applauded.

Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele also rose to acknowledge the defection, congratulating the senator and urging him to work towards the progress of his new party and the country at large.