Labour Party Appoints Reps Deputy Spokesperson Agbese as Media Chairman for National Convention
The Labour Party (LP) has officially appointed Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, as the chairman of the media and publicity subcommittee for its upcoming national convention. This strategic appointment was announced in a convention planning committee list released on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by Ginger Onwusibe, the chairman of the committee and representative of Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North Federal Constituency.
Convention Rescheduled to Enhance Participation
Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Labour Party's national convention has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to be held in Umuahia, Abia State. The postponement aims to allow broader participation in the party's ongoing membership re-registration exercise, ensuring a more inclusive and democratic process for all members.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Media Subcommittee
Agbese and his committee members are tasked with several critical responsibilities to ensure the success of the convention. These include publicising convention activities both nationally and internationally, managing press accreditations and media relations in coordination with the accreditation committee, and coordinating live broadcasts, streaming, an Information Centre, and a customised live interview stage.
Additionally, the media and publicity subcommittee will handle social media communication and engagement campaigns, document convention proceedings in collaboration with rapporteurs, the programmes committee, and designated LP Secretariat staff, and perform any other duties as assigned to support the subcommittee's mandate for the wider propagation of the national convention.
Committee Members and Structure
Joining Agbese in the subcommittee are Hon. Ekeoma Ferdinand as Alternate Chairman, along with other members such as Hon. Prince Okey, Hon. Dodo Okafor, Hon. Enemenka, Mrs Victoria Kalu, and Barr Agnes Lolo. Others include Jesse Ukachukwu, Comr. Dr. Muttaqa Yushau, Comr. Lanre Fadahunsi, Ure Abazie, and Dr Ayu Olowu. Barr. Ken Asogwa and Hon. Ukoha Njoku will serve as Secretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively.
Agbese's Recent Defection from APC
Philip Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party in March 2026. His move shocked the leadership and members of the 10th House of Representatives. Agbese cited protracted crises within the Benue APC, which have left stakeholders irreconcilable, as a major reason for his defection. Despite this, he reiterated his continuous support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since his defection, Agbese has taken over the leadership of the Labour Party in Benue State, positioning him as a key figure in the party's regional and national strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Legal and Constitutional Basis for Appointments
In a statement co-signed by the convention secretary, Comrade Salisu Mohammad, the party clarified that Agbese's appointment and those of others to various subcommittees align with the decision of the national leadership, the Labour Party Constitution 2019 (as amended), and extant laws. The appointments are part of the party's efforts to conduct the 2026 Elective Congresses and National Convention in accordance with resolutions from the National Executive Council (NEC).
This development underscores the Labour Party's focus on strengthening its media outreach and organisational structure as it prepares for critical political engagements in the coming years.
