Etanabene Benedict, a Labour Party (LP) member in the House of Representatives, has revealed that several colleagues are considering defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, December 6, Benedict attributed the moves to strategic positioning for the 2027 general elections.

This follows the defection of four LP lawmakers to the APC on Thursday, citing alleged internal crises within the party. The Labour Party, however, dismissed these claims, labeling them a pretext and threatening legal action against the defectors.

The party has also urged Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to declare the defectors’ seats vacant.

Benedict, representing the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency of Delta, explained that fear of political vulnerability under the LP banner is driving these defections.

“The trend of Edo and Ondo is frightening to them,” he stated, adding that some lawmakers doubt their chances of reelection if they remain in the Labour Party.

While acknowledging the possibility of more defections, Benedict denied any significant internal crisis in the party. “There are still many others in the Labour Party that are thinking along that line too,” he said, emphasizing that strategic calculations, rather than party issues, are motivating the moves.

The Labour Party’s response underscores its resolve to protect its political base, even as it faces challenges in retaining its lawmakers amid shifting political allegiances.