Labour Party Crisis Deepens in Edo as Hon. Richard Edosa Defects to APC
The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State is currently embroiled in a deepening internal crisis, marked by the existence of two parallel state secretariats and duplicated ward executives across the state. This growing division has sparked tensions among party members, raising questions about the stability and future direction of LP in the state.
At the center of the conflict are two factions, each claiming legitimate control of the party’s leadership in Edo. One group, led by Barr. Kelly Ogbaloi, operates from the Sakponba Road Secretariat, while another, headed by Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, runs a separate structure in Ogbelaka. This power struggle extends to all ward executives, creating parallel party structures in every local unit.
National Leadership Crisis Fuels Division
The crisis in Edo reflects a larger national struggle within the Labour Party. At the national level, the party remains split between Barr. Julius Abure, who insists he is the rightful National Chairman, and Sen. Nenadi Usman, who leads a rival caretaker committee. This dispute has led to multiple legal battles, with both factions seeking court validation of their authority.
Hon. Richard Edosa Dumps LP for APC Amid Crisis
Amid this political turbulence, Hon. Richard Edosa, the member representing Oredo West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his statement, Edosa explained that his decision was driven by internal pressures, threats to his political career, and concerns over the party’s leadership crisis.
With a calm heart and strong belief, I stand before you today to share a personal decision. I have left the Labour Party (LP) the party that helped me win my election and joined the All Progressive Party (APC). This is not because I am abandoning my values, but a brave step to continue fighting for what we care about. I have been threatened with losing my return ticket not for failing in my legislative duties, but for refusing to support a faction led by someone whose tenure has expired. As I bid farewell to the LP, I remain thankful and respectful, and I promise to keep working, questioning, and growing with you in this new party.
He further alleged that he was threatened with losing his return ticket—not due to poor performance but for refusing to align with a faction whose leader’s tenure had expired. He described his defection as a necessary step to remain politically relevant and continue serving his constituents effectively.
Hon. Richard Edosa, representing Oredo West in the Edo State House of Assembly under Labour Party, has officially decamped to APC.
#EdoPolitics #achalugo pic.twitter.com/r2cbgomj3Z
— Golden (@GoldenNewsMedia) March 24, 2025
Implications for Labour Party in Edo
The defection of Hon. Richard Edosa could trigger further exits from the Labour Party as internal divisions persist. With two state factions and a national leadership dispute, LP risks losing key members and public confidence unless urgent reconciliation efforts are made.
Political observers believe that the deepening rift within the party could weaken its influence in Edo State, especially if more lawmakers and stakeholders choose to leave.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Labour Party’s leadership at both state and national levels to see whether they can resolve these internal conflicts or face continued fragmentation.
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