The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said he is not nursing any ambition to contest the governorship of Benue State.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja shortly after announcing his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the Labour Party.
Speaking on the reason for his defection, the lawmaker said the decision was motivated by his desire to continue serving his constituents and to prepare for future political engagements.
Agbese said, “I want to categorically put it on record that our defection is about service to our people.
“It is about making ourselves available again for service in 2027, and our people have taken a very firm position that the Labour Party is the only available vehicle that will take us to the expected destination. As the servant of the people, I have no choice but to be part of the Labour family.”
Agbese added that his move to the Labour Party also represents a shift in political perspective.
He further stated, “So, I think there is a need for us to step down our old behaviour from the APC, wear a new lens and see things differently.”
The lawmaker dismissed speculation that his political move was linked to a possible governorship bid in Benue State.
“There’s no governorship ambition in sight at the moment, but we cannot rule that out in the near future,” he said.
Agbese also pledged loyalty to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, whom he described as a key supporter in his political journey.
“To the end of time, the SGF remains my father, my greatest benefactor. He made it possible for me to be here. I remain grateful to him, and I will be grateful to him to the end of the world,” he said.
Agbese’s defection comes amid a growing crisis within the APC in Benue State, largely stemming from a political rift between the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, and Akume.
