The member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has been affirmed as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Agbese was affirmed on Saturday by members of the Labour Party drawn from the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency during a stakeholders’ gathering attended by thousands of party faithful.

The affirmation comes months after Agbese defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Labour Party amid the lingering internal crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the ruling party.

The exercise was monitored by party officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

According to the Returning Officer, members from across the constituency participated in the affirmation process, with results showing that Agbese secured 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 attracted more than 53,306 votes party members and supporters from the three councils.

Party leaders described the emergence of both candidates as a demonstration of unity and determination to strengthen the Labour Party’s presence in Benue South.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Agbese thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue providing effective representation to the people of Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Federal Constituency.

He assured party supporters that he would remain committed to delivering democratic dividends and advancing the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly.

“I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming show of confidence by members of the Labour Party across Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu.

This affirmation is not for Philip Agbese alone; it is a mandate to continue serving our people with dedication, integrity and results.”

“The journey to 2027 has begun, and together we will build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency.

“Politics should be about service and 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.”

Several party stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in Agbese’s leadership and performance, noting that his legislative interventions and constituency projects had endeared him to the people.

They described his affirmation as a reflection of the widespread support he enjoys across the federal constituency and expressed optimism that the Labour Party would record significant victories in the 2027 elections.

Earlier, a former Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Onuh, emerged as the Labour Party’s consensus candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.