Benue 2027: I have no governorship ambition — Philip Agbese after defecting to Labour Party

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed rumours of a governorship ambition following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP).

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, officially announced his defection during plenary, with the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, reading his letter on the floor of the House.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the move, the lawmaker said his decision was driven by the interests of his constituents and not any governorship plan.

“I do not believe in leadership. I believe much more in servantship. There’s no governorship ambition in sight at the moment,” Agbese stated.

He explained that his immediate focus is to strengthen the Labour Party in Benue State and deliver on the expectations of his constituents ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party would field a governorship candidate when the time comes, stressing that he is not positioning himself for the ticket.

“The Labour Party is going to have a governorship candidate. We’re likely to have one, and we are going to campaign to sell the party’s manifesto to the people of Benue State,” he added.

Agbese further maintained that his defection was based on consultations with stakeholders in his constituency, noting that many residents preferred the Labour Party as the platform for future political engagement.

He also reaffirmed his support for the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, while pledging to work across party lines for national development.

The lawmaker described his move as part of efforts to reposition the Labour Party for electoral success in Benue, insisting that it was “not time to fight but time to win elections.”

Speaker Abbas, while reacting to the development, described the defection as politically significant, noting that Agbese is the first member of the 10th House of Representatives to leave the ruling party for another platform.