The Labour Party (LP) has gained significant momentum in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State following the defection of over 1,000 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other political parties. The mass shift occurred on Wednesday in Orokam District, marking a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defectors, including political stakeholders, community leaders, and grassroots supporters, were formally welcomed into the LP during a ceremony attended by party leaders at both state and local government levels.
The event took place amid growing political activity across Ogbadibo, which comprises Orokam, Owukpa, and Otukpa districts. Speaking on behalf of the new members, Hon. E.E. Justice, a former House of Assembly aspirant on the ADC platform, cited the Labour Party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, development, and grassroots participation as key reasons for their decision. He also highlighted the influence of Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and popularly known as Okanga 1 of Enone Kingdom, whose leadership and representation played a crucial role in swaying their allegiance.
During the ceremony, some defectors publicly discarded symbols of their former parties before receiving Labour Party flags and membership materials, symbolizing their full transition. The Benue State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Williams Ochonu Okefie, and the Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Peter Enejor, received the new members with open arms. They assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party structure and emphasized unity and collective growth.
Hon. Philip Agbese, who is seeking re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027, welcomed the new members and described their move as evidence of the Labour Party’s increasing acceptance in Ogbadibo. He urged them to collaborate with existing members to strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots level. Agbese reiterated that there would be no discrimination between old and new members, promising everyone a fair chance to contribute to the party’s success.
Agbese, who secured the Labour Party ticket for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency earlier this year, has been instrumental in expanding the party’s influence in the region. His active engagement and leadership have positioned the Labour Party as a formidable force in Enone Federal Constituency. As political alignments continue to shift, the influx of new members signals a strategic expansion for the LP in Benue State, setting the stage for a competitive electoral landscape in 2027.
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