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By Oscar Okhifo
Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District has announced his intention to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Labour Party (LP).
The defection is set for Thursday June 12, with the LP lawmaker anchoring his decision on the internal disarray within the LP.
Addressing newsmen in Benin City on Sunday, as part of activities marking his second year in office, Imasuen , who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, stated that his move is intended to connect Edo South more closely with federal lofty development goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Imasuen dismissed suggestions of political opportunism, describing his planned defection as a “strategic decision” aimed at securing better development outcomes for his constituents. He reeled out several achievements, including the successful sponsorship of the Federal College of Education, Abudu (Establishment) Bill, and the resolution of over 20 public petitions from across the country.
“These interventions have made a significant difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The lawmaker also cited his constituency projects, such as vocational training schemes, agricultural support initiatives, and rural health training programs for traditional birth attendants.
He noted that scholarships have also been awarded to students in the district. Although he admitted challenges in sustaining constituency-based interventions, calling for greater local government collaboration.
He pledged to maintain his focus on health, youth empowerment, and rural development, while reaffirming his “firm support” for the policies of President Tinubu.
On the agricultural front, Imasuen emphasized his commitment to promoting the sector, describing it as “the cornerstone of national survival.”
“We have focused on rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming. There are testimonies from farmers whose yields have improved significantly,” he said.
However, questions remain about what the future holds for Senator Imasuen as he joins the APC, particularly in light of past controversies.
During the Senate’s handling of sexual harassment allegations raised by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her subsequent suspension from the Senate for 6 months, Imasuen faced criticism from his constituents.
He was accused of bias against the Kogi senator, with some calling for his recall and later, threatened to shoot down his return to the red chambers in 2027.