The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State chapter, has threatened to sanction former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, over his statement favouring the Labour Party, LP, described as ‘reckless and irresponsible’.
The party threatened disciplinary action, while Ogah and his Abia Rejoice Movement maintained that his comments were misinterpreted, in a statement on Sunday, by the State Publicity Secretary, Uche Agoru.
The statement reads: ‘The party’s attention was drawn to Ogah’s statement allegedly made at a Labour Party event in Isuikwuato, where he was reported to have said, “Despite being an APC member, he would support the Labour Party in the 2027 Governorship election.”‘
“While the party is not entirely surprised by such reckless and irresponsible remarks, the Abia APC unequivocally dissociates itself and all its members from this unacceptable conduct.
“The statement credited to Dr Ogah does not in any way reflect the position, ideals, or aspirations of the APC in Abia State,” the statement stated.
The party accused Ogah of operating as a mole within its ranks, noting that he had previously been suspended from all party communication platforms, including official WhatsApp groups.
The APC also emphasised its commitment to winning elections at all levels in 2027, warning against harbouring individuals who undermine collective party goals.
“We strongly condemn the irresponsible and unfortunate anti-party posture for which Dr Ogah appears to have become notorious. Consequently, the party will immediately activate its disciplinary mechanisms to thoroughly investigate the matter and recommend the most appropriate sanctions,” he said.
The State party chapter further urged party members and residents to disregard what it described as an act of political sabotage, asserting that the party will not tolerate moles or saboteurs.
However, Ogah, in a statement, defended his remarks, stating that the event in Isuikwuato was a civic celebration, not a Labour Party function.
“The whole Isuikwuato gathered to celebrate the Attorney General as a senior advocate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is not a Labour Party programme; it is neither a labour retreat nor a political gathering.
“After all, politics is governance. I don’t like lying; I say it the way it is. Everybody knows that the governor is working, and we are seeing it. And I will not be a party to going back to Egypt again. Nobody will carry me to Egypt when I am already liberated.
“I support President Tinubu. Some people say, ‘On your mandate I stand’ to enable them to go to Abuja to see if they will get money. I don’t do backyard business. I am supporting President Tinubu, and I am appreciating Dr Alex Otti for what he is doing in the state. Anybody who sees what would make Abia State move forward should do it.”
Recall that in another statement, Abia Rejoice Movement clarified that Ogah’s remarks were motivated by patriotism, not partisanship.
“Dr Ogah’s position is driven by patriotism, not partisanship. The event where he made his remarks was not a Labour Party political gathering but a civic reception organised in honour of an illustrious son of Isuikwuato, who is currently serving as the Attorney General of Abia State, intended to celebrate service and achievement, not a partisan political rally,” the group said.
The movement also criticised attempts to politicise Ogah’s remarks, highlighting that other APC leaders have previously acknowledged and commended the performance of Governor Otti, despite party differences.
The group urged political actors to focus on constructive engagement and avoid unnecessary controversy, adding that “political discourse in Abia must be guided by facts, responsibility, and progress, not needless controversy.”
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