By Our Correspondent
National News – A looming political defection in Benue State may trigger a leadership reshuffle in the House of Representatives, as lawmaker Philip Agbese prepares to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress for the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okokwu Federal Constituency, is the current Deputy Spokesperson of the House.
His planned defection could force the leadership of the 10th Assembly, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to appoint a replacement once the move becomes official.
Political observers say the conflict began shortly after the 2023 general elections when Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, won the governorship on the APC platform.
Despite the victory, tensions soon surfaced as both camps struggled for control of the party structure in the state.
Supporters of the governor accuse Akume of influencing federal lawmakers against the state government, while Akume’s loyalists claim the governor has sidelined influential party stakeholders.
Attempts by party leaders, the Presidency, and the traditional ruler James Ayatse to reconcile the factions have failed to end the standoff.
In December 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima warned that the unresolved crisis could have serious political consequences for Benue and the North-Central region before the 2027 elections.
If Agbese’s defection proceeds as planned, parliamentary convention requires that the deputy spokesperson position remain within the ruling party, meaning the APC would nominate a replacement when lawmakers reconvene.
