Senator Neda Imasuen Defects to APC, Citing Labour Party Crisis and Support for Tinubu’s Agenda

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was formally announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Imasuen, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, said his decision was motivated by internal conflicts within the LP, which he described as lacking clear direction. He called his move to the APC “strategic” and in the best interest of his constituents in Edo South.

“The current disarray in the Labour Party will not help me achieve my aims for my people,” Imasuen said at a recent event in Benin City commemorating his second year in the National Assembly. “Joining the APC gives me the opportunity to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

He expressed particular admiration for Tinubu’s policies, citing them as key to national development and a motivating factor behind his switch.

Past Legal Allegations Resurface

Imasuen’s defection comes amid renewed public scrutiny over his past legal troubles in the United States. According to court documents reviewed by The Gazette, the senator was allegedly involved in a multimillion-dollar bank fraud scheme before returning to Nigeria.

U.S. federal prosecutors linked Imasuen to a sophisticated operation that siphoned more than $25 million from American financial institutions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly identified him as the attorney who “arranged the transactions underlying the substantive bank fraud charges” in a related case involving another suspect, Imran Ismile Badoolah.

Earlier this month, Nigeria News 247 had reported on Imasuen’s pending defection and referenced the U.S. allegations, which continue to raise ethical concerns among observers and constituents.

Political Implications

Imasuen’s departure is another blow to the Labour Party, which has been struggling with internal divisions since the 2023 general elections. His move to the APC is seen by analysts as a significant gain for the ruling party, particularly in Edo State where the political landscape remains highly competitive ahead of upcoming elections.

While the APC has yet to issue a formal welcome statement, insiders say Imasuen’s defection is part of broader efforts by the party to consolidate influence in the South-South region.

As the political dust settles, the controversy surrounding Imasuen’s past in the U.S. may continue to shadow his career—even as he strengthens his ties with Nigeria’s ruling political establishment.