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The Benue State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has firmly distanced itself from claims that Hon. Philip Agbese has defected to the party, describing the reported move and the alleged appointment of his aide, Williams Ochoronu, as interim chairman as misleading, illegal, and unconstitutional.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the State Chairman, Amb. Emmanuel Agida, and Secretary, Comrade Matthew Buter, the party leadership insisted that no such defection has been officially recognized and that the current executive structure remains intact under its duly elected leadership.
“The recent news claiming that Hon. Philip Agbese has defected to the Labour Party is, at best, misleading,” the statement read. It further declared any suggestion of a leadership handover to Agbese as “false, null, and void,” with no basis in the party’s constitution.
The LP referenced a February 16, 2026, letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which it said clearly limits the powers of any National Interim Committee, reminding that such bodies lack authority to dissolve or appoint executives at state levels.
The party emphasized that membership and leadership processes must begin at the ward level and follow established procedures, warning that attempts to bypass due process, impose candidates, or sow discord would be vehemently resisted.
“We welcome all decampees for seeing the light and aligning with our great party,” the statement noted, while cautioning against actions capable of causing internal crisis. It added: “The Labour Party is not an organization for unscrupulous politicians… It is a platform built on integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.”
In a separate reaction, a stakeholder in Ado Local Government Area, Dr. John Ade Iguve, acknowledged the recent wave of defections into the party but urged adherence to proper channels. “We welcome all the decampees… but any changes to leadership must be done in consultation with key stakeholders and in line with our party’s constitution,” he warned.
The controversy has stirred what insiders describe as a “hornet’s nest” within the Benue LP, with the state chapter reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, discipline, and people-oriented leadership ahead of future elections.
As political realignments continue across the state, the Labour Party leadership has advised Hon. Agbese to follow recognized procedures if he genuinely intends to join, stressing that the party remains open to individuals of good character who align with its vision but not at the expense of its unity and established structures. No official response has been issued by Hon. Philip Agbese or his team at the time of this report.
