Benue lawmaker secures LP ticket for second term bid

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese

The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has emerged as the Labour Party candidate for the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections. This followed an affirmation by party members across the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency. A statement from the media office of the LP chieftain on Sunday noted that a total of 52,000 votes were recorded in the direct primary election conducted across the constituency, underscoring his growing influence within the party barely months after his defection from the All Progressives Congress. Agbese, who serves as Deputy Spokesperson of the House, formally joined the Labour Party after announcing his departure from the APC on the floor of the House. Since then, he has spearheaded efforts to strengthen the party’s structures in Benue State, particularly in Benue South Senatorial District. The lawmaker was affirmed as the party’s candidate during congresses held across the 35 council wards of Enone, comprising Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo local government areas. Speaking after the exercise, the National Returning Officer for Benue State, Dr Aminu Atonu, described the process as peaceful, transparent and credible. Atonu also announced the emergence of Samuel Onuh as the Labour Party’s candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, while renowned philanthropist, Dr Mathias Byuan, was affirmed as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. Reacting to his emergence, Agbese expressed gratitude to party members and constituents for what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of confidence in his leadership and representation. “Today is a remarkable day in my life. It is a day when my people, the good people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, once again, demonstrated that their love for me was beyond lips and facial expressions. Related News Accord picks Olawepo-Hashim as presidential candidate UPDATED: Atiku holds closed-door talks with Hayatu-Deen NDC disowns primary results, summons NEC to ratify outcome “They went all out, defied the rains and gathered in their thousands across the 35 Council Wards of the Federal Constituency, to affirm the mandate given to me,” he said. Reflecting on his political journey, Agbese noted that his first election to the National Assembly came on the APC platform in 2023, but argued that consultations with constituents convinced him that the LP offered a more viable platform for the future. “They