{"id":198226,"date":"2026-04-02T20:03:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T19:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/uncategorized\/benue-lp-welcomes-rep-philip-agbese-declares-him-leader"},"modified":"2026-04-02T21:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:32:26","slug":"benue-lp-welcomes-rep-philip-agbese-declares-him-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/policy\/benue-lp-welcomes-rep-philip-agbese-declares-him-leader","title":{"rendered":"Benue LP welcomes Rep Philip Agbese, declares him leader"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. <\/strong><\/span>The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has declared Rep. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado\/Okpokwu\/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as the undisputed leader of the party in the state.<\/p>\n

In a statement signed by Comr. Aluh Moses Odeh, Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Labour Party in Benue State, the party welcomed Agbese\u2019s recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and positioned him as the natural leader by virtue of his position as the highest elected political office holder from the state under the LP banner.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy party convention and rules all over the world, Rep. Agbese, being the highest political office holder, becomes the leader of the party in the state,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n

The Benue LP distanced itself from any groups\u2014whether real, fake, or allegedly sponsored by external forces\u2014seeking to destabilise the party.<\/p>\n

The party noted that it had hit its lowest ebb after the 2023 general elections, with many members leaving due to lack of support from the then national leadership.<\/p>\n

Odeh said discussions were later opened with Hon. Philip Agbese, who was seen as possessing the charisma and capacity to revive the party ahead of 2027.<\/p>\n

The Labour Party in Benue therefore described Agbese\u2019s entry as a major boost that has attracted new members and serious aspirants for the 2027 elections.<\/p>\n

Odeh expressed confidence that the party is now positioned to challenge the ruling APC and spring a major surprise in Benue.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone claiming leadership of the LP in Benue State other than Hon. Philip Agbese is acting in defiance of the Supreme Court judgment affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as National Chairman,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Labour Party in Benue State received an immediate boost the moment Hon. Philip Agbese joined our ranks. His entry gave us the impetus and confidence that our party is poised to spring a major surprise come 2027, God willing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no argument: Hon. Philip Agbese, is the leader of our party in Benue State. Those peddling falsehood to the contrary are only doing so to massage their ego, in defiance of the judgment of the Supreme Court.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Benue LP pledged full allegiance and loyalty to the national leadership of Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, describing her emergence as the collective will of party members.<\/p>\n

\u201cHon. Agbese brings with him a rare combination of experience, intellect, and grassroots appeal that promises to transform the party\u2019s fortunes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis seamless integration has not only boosted morale but also opened doors for new alliances and opportunities, making him the rallying point for all progressive forces seeking genuine change in the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cSenator Usman continues to inspire confidence across the Labour Party structure with her steadfast commitment to party unity and constitutional order.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer visionary leadership at the national level has earned profound respect and total allegiance from the Benue chapter, which views her as the authentic anchor capable of steering the party towards victory and sustained growth in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Nigeria<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has declared Rep. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado\/Okpokwu\/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as the undisputed leader of the party in the state. In a statement signed by Comr. Aluh Moses Odeh, Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Labour Party […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":198225,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,14],"tags":[254],"class_list":["post-198226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-policy","tag-nigeria"],"yoast_head":"\nBenue LP welcomes Rep Philip Agbese, declares him leader - Nigeria<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has declared Rep. 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