2027: Labour Party affirms Agbese Reps candidate for Ado, Okpokwu, Ogabdibo

The member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has been affirmed as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Agbese was endorsed on Saturday by Labour Party members from the three local government areas that make up the constituency during a stakeholders’ gathering attended by thousands of party faithful.

The affirmation comes months after the federal lawmaker defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party amid the prolonged internal crisis within the Benue State chapter of the ruling party.

The exercise, which was monitored by party officials and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recorded significant participation from party members across the constituency.

Announcing the results, the Returning Officer disclosed that Agbese secured 17,789 votes in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, 17,767 votes in Okpokwu Local Government Area and 17,750 votes in Ado Local Government Area, bringing his total votes to 53,306.

Party leaders described the affirmation as a strong demonstration of unity and a clear indication of the Labour Party’s growing strength in Benue South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Agbese expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue delivering quality representation to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

“I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming show of confidence by members of the Labour Party across Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo. This affirmation is not for Philip Agbese alone; it is a mandate to continue serving our people with dedication, integrity and results,” he said.

According to him, the journey towards the 2027 elections has begun and requires collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency.

“The journey to 2027 has begun, and together we will build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency.

“Politics should be about service and not personal ambition. I remain committed to attracting more development projects, creating opportunities for our youths and ensuring that the voice of our people remains strong in the National Assembly,” Agbese stated.

Several stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s leadership and performance, citing his legislative interventions, empowerment programmes and constituency projects as reasons for their continued support.

They described his affirmation as a reflection of the widespread acceptance he enjoys across the constituency and expressed optimism that the Labour Party would record significant victories in the 2027 elections.

The event also witnessed the emergence of former Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman, Prince Samuel Onuh, as the Labour Party’s consensus candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District, further strengthening the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.