Fresh tensions have erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State after comments attributed to former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, triggered outrage within the party.
The state chapter of the APC has threatened disciplinary action against the former minister, describing his reported remarks at an event in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Nigeria as unacceptable. However, Ogah and members of the Abia Rejoice Movement insist his comments have 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 gathering linked to the Labour Party (Nigeria), where he was reported to have declared that although he remains an APC member, he would back 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 partly read.
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The party leadership further accused Ogah of acting as a political infiltrator within its ranks, noting that he had earlier been removed from official party communication platforms, including WhatsApp groups used by party members.
Aguoru said the party remained determined to secure electoral victories across the state in 2027 and warned that it would not tolerate actions capable of undermining its collective ambitions.
“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,” Aguoru said.
The APC also urged party faithful and the public to ignore what it described as deliberate attempts to sabotage the party’s political agenda in the state.
However, Ogah pushed back against the allegations, explaining that the gathering where he spoke was not a Labour Party function but a civic reception held to honour the state’s Attorney General after he attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“The whole Isuikwuato gathered to celebrate the Attorney General as a senior advocate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is not a Labour programme, it is neither a labour retreat. This is not politics,” Ogah said.
He added, “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 and am still supporting 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.”
Backing Ogah’s position, the Abia Rejoice Movement also released 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 where Dr Ogah 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 group also questioned why Ogah’s remarks were attracting criticism when other APC leaders had publicly acknowledged the performance of Alex Otti, the state’s governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party.
“It is therefore both curious and unnecessary for anyone to suddenly attempt to criminalise or politicise a similar expression of goodwill and recognition when it comes from Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah,” the group added.
Calling for a calmer political atmosphere in the state, the movement urged political actors to prioritise constructive engagement over controversy.
“Political discourse in Abia must be guided by facts, responsibility, and progress, not needless controversy,” the statement said.
It also reaffirmed Ogah’s loyalty to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his continued commitment to supporting the president’s reform agenda ahead of the next general election.
