The member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has been confirmed as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Agbese has been endorsed by Labour Party members from the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency at a stakeholders meeting attended by thousands of party faithful on Saturday.
The affirmation is coming months after Agbese defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to the Labour Party in the face of the lingering internal crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the ruling party.
Party officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC monitored the exercise.
The Returning Officer said members from across the constituency participated in the affirmation process, with results indicating that Agbese got 17,789 votes in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, 17,767 votes in Okpokwu Local Government Area and 17,750 votes in Ado Local Government Area.
The exercise saw more than 53,306 votes from party members and supporters across the three councils.
The emergence of both candidates, according to party leaders, demonstrated unity and resolve to boost the Labour Party’s presence in Benue South.
Agbese, who spoke shortly after his affirmation, thanked the party members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue to offer effective representation to the people of Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Federal Constituency.
He assured party supporters of his willingness to deliver democratic dividends and further the interest of the constituency at the National Assembly.
“I am very humbled by this overwhelming show of confidence by members of the Labour Party across Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu.
This affirmation is not just for Philip Agbese; it is a mandate to continue serving our people with dedication, integrity and results.”
The road to 2027 has begun and together we shall build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency .
“Politics should be about service, not personal ambition. I remain committed to attracting more development projects, creating opportunities for our youths and ensuring that the voice of our people remains strong in the National Assembly.”
Some party stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in Agbese’s leadership and performance, saying that his legislative interventions and constituency projects have won him the hearts of the people.
They said his affirmation was a reflection of the widespread support he has across the federal constituency and expressed optimism that the Labour Party would record significant victories in the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Onuh, had emerged as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for the Benue South Senatorial District for the 2027 general elections.
