Senator Neda Imasuen, who is representing Edo South Senatorial District under the Labour Party (LP), has praised President Bola Tinubu for his “unbelievably strong courage” in steering Nigeria through challenging times.
He made this known while affirming that the South should retain the presidency in 2027 to complete the existing power rotation arrangement.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists over the weekend in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Imasuen argued that Tinubu deserves a second term, citing the president’s firm stance on key national issues despite political risks.
“President Tinubu is a man of courage. He does not shy away from doing what he believes is right, even when it could affect his chances of re-election,” Imasuen stated.
“Take for example the Tax Bill—we had heated debates and serious confrontations in closed Senate sessions, but he never compromised. That kind of leadership deserves support.”
The senator emphasized that there is an unwritten agreement on presidential zoning in Nigeria, with the North and South alternating after eight-year terms.
“We all allowed former President Buhari to complete his two terms, despite widespread dissatisfaction with his administration. The same courtesy should be extended to President Tinubu,” he said.
Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, is the only Labour Party senator from Edo State. The other two senatorial zones—Edo North and Edo Central—are represented by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including former governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
He also reacted to the recent Supreme Court judgment that removed Julius Abure, his fellow Edo indigene, as national chairman of the Labour Party. Describing the ruling as a “welcome development,” Imasuen accused Abure of prioritizing personal interests over the unity and growth of the party.
“Abure lost focus. He dragged the party into unnecessary legal battles, and in the process, the Labour Party became fragmented. Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, we need to ask ourselves, where do we go from here?” he said.
The senator expressed concern about the party’s current state, noting that many members have already left, and it’s uncertain whether the court’s decision can reinvigorate the party.
He also commended President Tinubu’s resolve to conduct a national census before the 2027 elections, despite resistance from some quarters. According to him, having accurate population data is essential for national planning and democratic credibility.
“I salute the president for insisting on a proper census. It is a courageous decision, and I hope it’s implemented fully before the next elections,” he said.
Senator Imasuen concluded by urging journalists to remain partners in his political journey, promising to keep them informed on any major decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
