Benue lawmaker secures LP ticket for second term bid

Philip Agbese, the member representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has officially emerged as the Labour Party's candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development follows an affirmation by party members across the three local government areas that constitute the federal constituency.

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Today is a remarkable day in my life. It is a day when my people, the good people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, once again, demonstrated that their love for me was beyond lips and facial expressions.

A statement from Agbese's media office on Sunday indicated that a direct primary election, conducted across the constituency, recorded a total of 52,000 votes. This outcome underscores Agbese's growing influence within the Labour Party, particularly months after his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Agbese, who also serves as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, had announced his departure from the APC on the floor of the House.

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They went all out, defied the rains and gathered in their thousands across the 35 Council Wards of the Federal Constituency, to affirm the mandate given to me.

Since joining the Labour Party, Agbese has been instrumental in strengthening the party's organizational framework in Benue State, with a specific focus on the Benue South Senatorial District. The lawmaker's candidacy was affirmed during congresses held across the 35 council wards of Enone, which comprises Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo local government areas. The National Returning Officer for Benue State, Dr. Aminu Atonu, described the primary process as peaceful, transparent, and credible.

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They first elected me under the APC in 2023. And when the time came to kick-start the process of re-electing me, the people consulted and x-rayed all options available, and they promptly suggested a fresh and more viable vehicle that could take us to the National Assembly.

During the same congresses, Samuel Onuh was confirmed as the Labour Party's candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, and Dr. Mathias Byuan secured the governorship candidacy for the 2027 elections. Reacting to his nomination, Agbese conveyed his gratitude to party members and constituents for their overwhelming confidence in his leadership. He noted the significant turnout, with people gathering in large numbers despite the rain, to affirm his mandate.

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They didn’t only suggest Labour Party, they also followed me massively to the party and we started building it, like the Ark of No