Abia APC moves against Ogah over alleged Labor Party support

Fresh tensions have erupted in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State after comments attributed to former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, sparked outrage within the party.

The state chapter of the APC has threatened to take disciplinary action against the former minister, and described his reported remarks at an event in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Nigeria as unacceptable. However, Ogah and members of the Abia Rejoicing Movement insisted that his comments had been misunderstood.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, said the APC had taken note of Ogah’s alleged statement at a meeting associated with the Labor Party (Nigeria), where he was reported to have stated that although he remained a member of the APC, he would support the Labor Party in the 2027 governorship election.

“While the party is not completely shocked by such reckless and irresponsible statements, APC Abia categorically distances itself and all its members from this unacceptable act. The statements made by Dr Ogah in no way reflect the position, ideals or aspirations of the APC in Abia State,” the statement read.

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The party leadership further accused Ogah of acting as a political infiltrator within its party ranks, and stated that he had previously been removed from the party’s official communication platforms, including WhatsApp groups used by party members.

Aguoru said his party remains determined to secure a statewide election victory in 2027 and warned that it will not tolerate actions that could undermine its collective ambitions.

“We strongly condemn the irresponsible and unfortunate anti-party stance that Dr Ogah has become famous for. Therefore, the party will immediately activate its disciplinary mechanism to thoroughly investigate the matter and recommend the most appropriate sanctions,” Aguoru said.

The APC also urged party supporters and the public to abandon what they described as deliberate attempts to sabotage the party’s political agenda in the state.

However, Ogah rejected the allegations, explaining that the meeting at which he spoke was not a Labor Party event but a civic reception held in honor of the state’s Attorney General after he attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“The whole of Isuikwuato came together to celebrate the Attorney General as a senior advocate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is not a Labor Party programme, this is not a backwardation of workers. This is not politics,” Ogah said.

He added, “After all, politics is government. I don’t like to lie; I tell it like it is. Everyone knows that the governor is working, and we see it. And I will not go back to Egypt again. Nobody will take me to Egypt when I am released.

“I supported and still support President Tinubu. Some people said, ‘on your mandate, I stand’ to allow them to go to Abuja to see if they will get the money. I don’t do back yard business. I support President Tinubu, and I appreciate Dr. Alex Otti for what he is doing in this state. Anyone who sees what will make Abia State progress should do it.”

Supporting Ogah’s position, the Abia Rejoice Movement also issued a statement defending the former minister and accusing critics of twisting his comments for political purposes.

“Dr Uche Ogah’s position is driven by patriotism, not partisanship. The event at which Dr Ogah delivered his speech was not a political meeting of the Labor Party, but a civic reception held in honor of Isuikwuato’s illustrious son who is currently Attorney General of Abia State, intended to celebrate service and achievements, not a partisan political rally,” the group said.

The group also questioned why Ogah’s statement attracted criticism when other APC leaders openly acknowledged the performance of Alex Otti, the state governor elected on the Labor Party platform.

“Therefore, it is strange and unnecessary for anyone to suddenly try to criminalize or politicize similar expressions of goodwill and confessions coming from Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah,” the group added.

Calling for a calmer political atmosphere in the state, the movement urges political actors to prioritize constructive engagement over controversy.

“Political discourse in Abia must be guided by facts, responsibility and progress, not unnecessary controversy,” the statement said.

It also reaffirms Ogah’s loyalty to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and his continued commitment to support the president’s reform agenda ahead of the next general election.