Benue: Labour Party Slams Philip Agbese's Bid for Leadership Control

The Benue State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has formally distanced itself from the purported defection of Philip Agbese, describing the claim as “misleading, illegal, and unconstitutional,” while also rejecting the reported appointment of his aide, Williams Ochonu, as interim chairman.

The controversy follows widespread reports that Agbese had defected to the Labour Party and that his media aide, Ochonu, had been named to lead an interim structure in the state, a development that has now stirred what party insiders describe as a “hornet’s nest” within the Benue LP.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the State Chairman, Amb. Emmanuel Agida, and Secretary, Comrade Matthew Buter, the party insisted that no such defection had been officially recognized.

“The recent news claiming that Hon. Philip Agbese has defected to the Labour Party is, at best, misleading,” the statement read.

The party leadership maintained that it remains under the duly elected executive led by Agida, stressing that any claim suggesting a leadership change is “false, null, and void”.

“Any claim suggesting that the leadership of the party has been handed over to Hon. Philip Agbese is entirely false and has no basis in the constitution of the party,” the statement added.

The party further referenced a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, dated February 16, 2026, which it said clearly limits the powers of the party’s National Interim Committee.

“INEC… reminded the National Interim Committee that it has no authority to dissolve or appoint any executive of the party,” the statement noted.

The Benue LP leadership expressed disappointment over what it described as attempts by the national interim body to impose a new structure in violation of party rules.

Reaffirming its stance on internal democracy, the party emphasized that membership and leadership processes must begin at the grassroots level.

“Political processes within the party are not determined by media declarations or ‘breaking news’ headlines,” the statement said.

“Party governance follows a clearly defined process that begins at the ward level… To the best of our knowledge, no such process has taken place regarding the claims of Hon. Philip Agbese.”

The party advised Agbese to follow proper procedures if he genuinely intends to join the Labour Party.

“We therefore advise Hon. Philip Agbese… to follow the recognized channels and respect the established organs of the party.”

In a separate reaction, the Chairman of Labour Party, Orokam Ward 3, Umama Andrew, issued an open letter criticizing Agbese’s actions, accusing him of attempting to destabilize the party.

He said, “It has become necessary to address your recent actions within the political space, particularly your attempts to create confusion in a well-structured and disciplined party like the Labour Party.

“The Labour Party is not an organization for unscrupulous politicians or individuals seeking to advance selfish interests. Rather, it is a platform built on integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people. It stands firmly for leaders who are people-oriented, transparent, and dedicated to national development.

“Your loss of credibility within your former political engagements should have been an opportunity for reflection and reform, not a reason to destabilize a party that has consistently upheld its values and structure.

“If you genuinely desire to be part of the Labour Party, the right approach is clear: follow due process. Political organizations thrive on order, respect for leadership, and adherence to established procedures. You are expected to formally engage with the party through its recognized leadership and structures.

“Attempting to bypass these processes or sow discord only undermines your intentions and further erodes public trust. The Labour Party remains open to individuals of good character who are willing to align with its vision and principles, but not at the expense of its unity and discpline.”

Meanwhile, a stakeholder in Ado Local Government, Dr. John Ade Iguve, acknowledged the recent wave of defections into the party but cautioned against bypassing due process.

“We welcome all the decampees for seeing the light and aligning with our great party,” he said.

However, he warned against actions capable of causing internal crisis.

“Any changes to leadership… must be done in consultation with key stakeholders and in line with our party’s constitution. Imposing candidates or taking irrational decisions will be vehemently resisted,” Iguve stated.