By Eve Omayrs
The political atmosphere in Edo State is heating up as indications emerge that Labour Party (LP) Senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, may be on the verge of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This revelation was made by Eugene Utubor, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Utubor, who spoke to journalists after a closed-door meeting with Senator Imasuen in Benin City, disclosed that the senator is "favourably disposed" to joining the APC, citing Governor Okpebholo’s impressive performance within his short time in office as a key motivating factor. According to Utubor, Imasuen expressed admiration for the governor’s developmental strides and emphasized the importance of aligning with a government that is actively delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
“He believes in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and sees the need to complement the efforts of the APC-led government both at the state and national levels,” Utubor said. “Senator Imasuen is a progressive at heart, and it’s only a matter of time before he officially makes the move.”
This development comes amid a flurry of internal crises currently bedeviling the Labour Party both at the state and national levels. From leadership tussles to allegations of imposition of candidates and dwindling party cohesion, the LP appears to be grappling with sustaining the momentum it gained during the last general elections.
Observers say Imasuen's increasingly visible presence at APC functions in Edo State — including a recent strategic stakeholders’ meeting where he was spotted exchanging pleasantries with top APC figures — is a strong signal of his political recalibration. His alignment with key figures in the APC and subtle distancing from the LP’s local leadership further fuels speculation.
Political analysts believe that should Imasuen switch camps, it would significantly boost the APC’s political base in Edo South, a region critical to swinging electoral victories. It could also signal a broader defection wave as other Labour Party stalwarts, frustrated by the party's internal wranglings, may follow suit.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Neda Imasuen has not issued an official statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that discussions are at an advanced stage and a formal declaration may soon be made.
Stay tuned for updates on what could become one of the most significant political realignments ahead of the 2025 Edo gubernatorial elections.