UMUAHIA: The All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has suspended former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, after he publicly declared support for the second-term bid of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The decision by the party followed Ogah’s remarks endorsing the re-election of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Otti during a civic reception organized by the Isuikwuato Local Government Area council in honour of Abia’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, who was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Speaking at the event, Ogah, who was the APC governorship candidate in the 2019 election, openly praised Otti’s leadership and insisted that his support for the governor’s re-election was firm.
According to the business mogul, his backing for Otti is based on what he described as visible and people-focused governance in the state.
Ogah told the gathering that when he believes in a cause, he stands by it firmly, adding that he and his supporters would support Otti’s return to office in 2027.
He also commended the governor for improvements in salary payments and pension settlements, claiming that before the current administration he personally spent about ₦50 million monthly assisting residents who sought financial help.
However, he said the situation has changed significantly as workers and pensioners now receive their entitlements regularly.
Shortly after Ogah’s comments, the Abia chapter of the APC publicly distanced itself from his position, describing his remarks as unacceptable and contrary to the party’s objectives.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, said it was improper for a member of the APC to openly support a governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party.
He stated that the party remains united and determined to win the 2027 elections across all levels, including the governorship and legislative seats.
According to Aguoru, individuals whose actions undermine the party’s goals cannot be accommodated.
The party also described Ogah’s comments as reckless and irresponsible, stressing that they do not represent the ideals or aspirations of the APC in Abia.
Following the controversy, the APC announced that it had revived an earlier suspension allegedly imposed on Ogah in 2022 over claims of anti-party activities.
The party’s legal adviser, Vigilus Chukwudi Nwankwo, said the earlier disciplinary action remained valid under provisions of the party’s constitution.
Citing Article 22, Section 2, Subsection 2 of the party’s rules, Nwankwo explained that Ogah had already been suspended at the ward and local government levels and therefore remained a suspended member of the party.
The party warned that the former minister’s public endorsement of Otti could undermine the APC’s chances in the 2027 governorship race.
Reacting through his political platform, the Abia Rejoice Movement, Ogah dismissed the party’s position as politically motivated.
The group argued that several APC members had previously praised Governor Otti’s performance despite belonging to different political parties.
It described attempts to sanction Ogah for expressing a similar opinion as inconsistent and unnecessary.
The movement also accused the Abia APC of hypocrisy, noting that leaders of the party at the national level had praised Nyesom Wike despite his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The group insisted that Ogah’s position was motivated by patriotism and a desire for progress in Abia State rather than partisan considerations.
It urged political actors in the state to focus on constructive engagement that would strengthen democratic culture and accelerate development rather than engage in internal political conflicts.
The development adds another layer to the evolving political dynamics in Abia as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.
