POLITICS INTERVIEW

……Says Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai are spent forces

In Nigerian politics, where shifting party loyalties often mirror the chaos of the times, few politicians can lay claim to the kind of backstage-to-spotlight transformation as SENATOR NEDA IMASUEN. From legislative aide to federal lawmaker representing Edo South Senatorial District, his story is one of proximity, persistence, and pragmatic politics.

In this exclusive sit-down with New National Star Acting Editor, EZEOCHA NZE and Politics Editor, BEN OGBEMUDIA, the senator reflects on his political journey; from his legislative tutelage under Senator Matthew Urhoghide, to his turbulent exit from the Labour Party, his refusal to join the ADC coalition despite Peter Obi’s presence, and his choice to pitch tent with the APC. Senator Imasuen pulls no punches, dismissing political juggernauts like Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai as “spent forces” and explains why, even as a lawmaker, numbers, not passion dictate influence in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Your political journey is quite the transformation; from legislative aide to a full-fledged senator. What’s that been like?

It’s nothing short of divine. I give all thanks to God for making it possible — it wasn’t easy. I also owe deep gratitude to the people of Edo South for their trust, and to my former boss, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, who backed me all the way. His support ensured the process was smooth and legitimate. This win wasn’t mine alone — it was a collective effort.

Did your experience as a legislative aide give you a leg up in your current role?

Absolutely. Being in the system before gave me a strong familiarity with the workings of the Senate, the procedures, the pace, and even the politics. The National Assembly can be intimidating for newcomers, but I walked in already understanding how things function. From writing motions and bills to representing my boss at high-level meetings, I was already hands-on. Now that I sit on the other side of the table, I rely on my own team the same way my boss relied on me.

My current committee work is intense; sometimes we sit till 7pm. So, managing time and having a capable legislative aide is crucial. It’s full circle.

You’ve spoken fondly of Senator Urhoghide. What’s your relationship with him like now that you’ve taken over?

We’re still as close as ever and he’s like family. I literally have a room in his house. When I’m too tired to go home, I crash there. He’s always been a mentor, never a placeholder. Even now, when people call him, he refers them to me and reminds them I’m the one holding the seat. Our bond transcends politics. There will be life after office and I’m keeping the friends who matter.

In terms of continuity, are you picking up from where Senator Urhoghide left off?

Yes, and that’s not just rhetoric. I was a key part of his team, so I already knew the terrain and the projects. He made sure every village in Edo South felt his impact and the bar was high. My goal is not just to meet it, but to surpass it. I have just two years in; if I get a full eight, by God’s grace, I believe we’ll achieve even more.

You left the Labour Party, a platform that helped you win. Why switch to APC, and why not ADC?

Leaving Labour was painful. It gave me a platform, and I’ll always be grateful. But we tried everything to save that party from internal collapse from meeting with INEC to convening a reconciliation summit in Umuahia. Yet key players like Abure and Apapa refused to show up or compromise. Even after Peter Obi and Alex Otti intervened, things worsened. Abure went to court, suspended party members, and doubled down.

It became clear the Labour Party was sinking and some of us had to find lifeboats. That’s why I moved to APC.

As for ADC, I won’t even consider it. When I look at the characters behind the coalition — unknown names, questionable motives — I want no part of it. Peter Obi is now associating with them, but I worry he may tarnish his image with that group. Obi was fresh. ADC is not. It’s just another political patchwork with no real identity.

You’ve dismissed big names like Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi. Are they politically irrelevant now?

I say it as I see it. These are yesterday’s men. They’ve offered nothing new to the Nigerian people. We all followed Obi because he brought a breath of fresh air. If you’re not bringing anything new, what’s the point? Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians. We want fresh ideas, not worn-out slogans.

Your political history is rich. You were PDP in the United States, then back and forth. Can you walk us through it?

Sure. I was PDP’s legal adviser in the United States during Obasanjo and Atiku’s administration. I knew Atiku back then. When Obasanjo denied him the ticket, we in the diaspora joined efforts to float a new coalition, liaising with Tinubu’s team. Opeyemi Bamidele was our main link.

When Atiku returned to PDP, we followed. But by his third defection, I stopped. It felt like a yo-yo game, and I needed stability. I stayed with APC. My boss later left for PDP and I followed, but eventually I found myself in Labour. Then, when Labour imploded, I moved to APC for good.

Some say Labour senators, including you, failed to speak out on issues like the ₦152m Land Cruiser. Why didn’t you protest more?

Let’s be honest, democracy is a game of numbers. We were just seven senators out of 109. Even if we all voted “no,” it wouldn’t matter. The Senate President recognizes who he wants. If you’re not in the majority, your protest won’t move the needle.

We hoped Labour would build momentum and expand its numbers. That didn’t happen. But let me also say this, we’re senators of the Federal Republic, not of one party. If an APC bill is good, I’ll vote for it. If a PDP bill is good, I’ll support it. My decisions are driven by service to Nigerians, not party bias.

But Nigerians say the National Assembly often votes based on religion or party lines. What’s your take?

That’s a half-truth. On religion, yes, in a multi-religious country like ours, it sometimes influences decisions, but it shouldn’t dictate them. On party lines maybe, but not always.

Take the 2024 budget extension. It wasn’t about party politics. It was practical: projects would have stalled if the extension wasn’t approved. Funds weren’t disbursed on time. So, what’s better, obeying the calendar or finishing vital infrastructure? We chose what’s best for the people.

With two years left in your term, what legacy are you working toward?

Two bills, both education-related, are in the pipeline and getting those passed is a top priority. I’m also deeply involved in oversight. For instance, there’s an ongoing land dispute between the Army and the Okhode community, I’ll be in Benin to address it.

I’m passionate about women and youth empowerment, healthcare access, and agriculture. My goal is to continue making visible impacts — not just in legislation but in everyday lives. I want to be remembered as a senator who worked, not just talked.

What about NNPCL; any involvement in the probe?

That’s under the public accounts committee. I’m on the ethics and petitions committee, but I’m closely following developments. Eventually, the report will come to the floor and we’ll all weigh in.

Final thoughts?

Politics isn’t just about party, it’s about people. Platforms come and go, but the service we render must be sincere. I didn’t leave Labour out of spite. I left because I needed a stable vehicle to serve. If Edo South is to prosper, I must be in the game — not watching from the sidelines.