The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators in the National Assembly will rise to 69 on June 12, 2025, when Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, formally defects from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.
Senator Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, told Sunday Vanguard that he will officially declare for the APC on Thursday, June 12, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Explaining his decision, Imasuen cited the deteriorating state of the Labour Party. “As we speak today, the Labour Party has lost direction. It’s a party where you cannot clearly identify who the national chairman is. The party has completely lost its way,” Imasuen said.
“I’ve heard from some quarters that due to the ongoing crisis within the party, it may even be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the name of any candidate, given the leadership tussle over who the authentic national chairman is.”
He continued: “Over the past months, it has become increasingly clear to me that the Labour Party, as it currently stands, has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead. Internal divisions, lack of ideological clarity, and the inability to provide a credible, forward-looking agenda have made it difficult for leaders like me to pursue any meaningful reform within the party.”
Senator Imasuen said his move to the APC is driven by a desire to serve his constituents more effectively and contribute to national development.
“The APC offers a more viable platform through which I can advance national interest and effectively serve my constituents. By advocating progressive policies, I can help move Nigeria forward,” he stated.
He also expressed admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership: “I am very happy that we have someone like President Tinubu steering the affairs of this nation. It takes courage to do what he has done and continues to do. He has introduced bold policies that, with time, will yield dividends. Unlike many of his predecessors, he is not afraid to confront difficult issues—even if they are unpopular during election cycles. I salute his courage and leadership.”
With Imasuen’s defection, the APC’s strength in the 10th Senate will increase to 69, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 30 seats; Labour Party, 4; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), 1; Social Democratic Party (SDP), 2; and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 1.
