Senator Neda Imasuen, the lawmaker representing Edo South Senatorial District under the Labour Party (LP), has publicly commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold leadership and unwavering commitment to navigating Nigeria through its current economic and political challenges. According to Imasuen, President Tinubu has shown “unbelievably strong courage” in implementing critical reforms despite facing resistance and potential political backlash.
The senator made these remarks during a weekend interactive session with journalists in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where he also voiced his strong support for the retention of power in the South come the 2027 presidential election. Imasuen maintained that Tinubu deserves a second term in office, arguing that the president’s fearless and determined approach to national leadership is worthy of continuity and national support.
Highlighting key policy decisions as evidence of Tinubu’s courage, Imasuen referenced the highly debated Tax Bill, which sparked heated discussions and confrontations in Senate chambers. According to him, despite the political risks involved, President Tinubu refused to compromise on his beliefs and pressed forward with what he believed to be in the best interest of the country.
“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 also stressed the importance of upholding the unwritten but widely acknowledged zoning agreement in Nigerian politics, where the presidency alternates between the North and South every eight years. He pointed out that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure under Tinubu, just as the North did under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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 added, advocating for equity and fairness in the democratic process.
Senator Imasuen, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, remains the only Labour Party senator representing Edo State. The remaining two senatorial seats—Edo North and Edo Central—are held by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the influential former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
In addition to praising President Tinubu, Imasuen also addressed recent internal challenges within the Labour Party. He reacted to the Supreme Court ruling that removed Julius Abure from his position as national chairman of the party, describing the verdict as a “welcome development.” The senator accused Abure of pursuing selfish interests that fragmented the party and led it into unnecessary legal crises.
“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, expressing concern over the state of the party and the uncertainty surrounding its future.
Imasuen noted that many members of the Labour Party have already left, and although the judgment may offer an opportunity for reconciliation, it remains unclear whether it can restore the party’s lost strength and unity.
The senator also lauded President Tinubu for his firm commitment to conducting a credible national population census before the 2027 general elections, despite some opposition. He described the president’s insistence on the census as a courageous and forward-thinking decision that will support accurate national planning and ensure greater 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,” Imasuen stated, reaffirming his belief that data-driven governance is essential for sustainable development.
Concluding the session, Senator Imasuen called on journalists to remain active partners in his political journey. He promised to maintain open communication and keep the media informed on his key decisions and future plans as the nation approaches the 2027 elections.