Benue: Over 1,000 defect to Labour Party in Ogbadibo
The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has gained significant momentum in the Ogbadibo Local Government Area with the recent defection of more than 1,000 members from various political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The mass defection occurred on Wednesday in the Orokam District, coinciding with a series of political realignments in Ogbadibo—an area comprising Orokam, Owukpa, and Otukpa districts—leading up to the 2027 general elections.
The new members, which include political stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters, were officially welcomed into the Labour Party during a ceremony that featured key party leaders at both the state and local levels.
Hon. E.E. Justice, a former House of Assembly aspirant with the ADC, spoke on behalf of the defectors, stating that their choice to join the LP was driven by the party’s dedication to inclusive leadership and grassroots engagement. Justice also highlighted the influence of Hon. Philip Agbese, the current representative for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, on their decision. Agbese, known as Okanga 1 of Enone Kingdom, has played a pivotal role in establishing the Labour Party’s presence in the region.
At the ceremony, some defectors publicly discarded the symbols of their previous political affiliations before being presented with Labour Party flags and membership materials.
Hon. Williams Ochonu Okefie, the Benue State Chairman of the Labour Party, along with Hon. Peter Enejor, the Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman of the party, welcomed the new members. They assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party.
Agbese further emphasized the significance of this defection, calling it an affirmation of the Labour Party’s growing acceptance in Ogbadibo. He encouraged the new members to collaborate with existing party members to enhance the party’s grassroots efforts.
Agbese, who is seeking re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027, has been a central figure in the Labour Party’s increasing political activities in the Enone Federal Constituency since joining the party and secured his LP ticket earlier this year.
