“The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Hon. Peter Azubuike, has thrown his weight behind the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon Amobi Godwin Ogah , declaring that there is no justification for replacing what he described as “one of the best-performing members of the House of Representatives in Nigeria.”
Speaking during his first official media interaction with journalists at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Umuahia, Azubuike addressed the lingering political dispute involving former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and Hon. Amobi Ogah.
Although he acknowledged Onyejeocha’s constitutional right to contest any elective office, the Labour Party chairman questioned the rationale behind seeking to unseat a lawmaker whom he said has distinguished himself through outstanding legislative performance, constituency empowerment and effective representation within just three years in office.
According to Azubuike, politics within the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency should be approached with maturity, brotherhood and the collective interest of the people rather than prolonged political rivalry.
He noted that Hon. Onyejeocha had already enjoyed what many politicians only dream of about sixteen uninterrupted years representing the constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2023.
The Labour Party chairman argued that after such an extensive period in office, it was only fair to allow another leader to continue serving the people, especially one who has quickly earned national recognition for his performance.
“With all due respect to Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, she has every constitutional right to contest any election. Politics is about interests, and I respect that. But the question I ask is: after sixteen years in the House of Representatives, what exactly is she still looking for there?”
He stressed that his comments should not be interpreted as personal attacks against the former minister, describing her as a respected political figure.
However, he insisted that leadership should ultimately be judged by results and the overall interest of the people.
Azubuike maintained that removing Hon. Amobi Ogah at this stage would amount to taking one of the best-performing players off the field while he is still delivering impressive results.
“Today we have one of the very best-performing members of the House of Representatives. Why should anyone think about changing him? How do you remove one of your best players from the pitch?”
The Labour Party chairman said a fair assessment of both lawmakers should be based on measurable performance rather than political sentiments.
According to him, while Onyejeocha spent sixteen years representing the constituency, Ogah has achieved remarkable milestones within less than four years.
He argued that the comparison strongly favours the incumbent lawmaker.
“Compare sixteen years with less than four years. Compare the achievements, the empowerment programmes, the constituency interventions and the impact. The difference is very clear.”
Azubuike described Hon. Ogah as one of the most impactful federal lawmakers currently serving in the National Assembly.
He noted that despite widespread concerns over dwindling public resources, Ogah has continued to execute constituency projects, empower youths and women, and maintain close contact with his constituents.
According to him, Ogah’s legislative contributions, intellectual capacity and people-oriented programmes have placed him among the country’s outstanding first-term lawmakers.
“He is one of the very best not just in Abia State, but in Nigeria. In terms of intellectual capacity, performance, empowerment and constituency impact, Hon. Amobi Ogah has distinguished himself.”
The LP chairman further questioned the political logic behind seeking to return to the National Assembly after already occupying several strategic public offices.
He observed that Onyejeocha had not only served sixteen years in the House of Representatives but also became a federal minister, a position that brought significant recognition to the constituency.
Azubuike lamented that since her exit from the Federal Executive Council, no other indigene of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi had been appointed into a similar federal position.
He suggested that political leaders should focus on expanding opportunities for their people rather than concentrating public offices in one individual’s career.
“Sometimes we must look beyond surface politics. If someone has represented the constituency for sixteen years and also served as minister, shouldn’t there be room for others to grow?”
While commenting on the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the constituency, Azubuike deliberately refrained from discussing the substance of the case.
He said the matter is already before the court and should be allowed to follow due legal process.
“The matter is before the court, and I will not interfere with judicial proceedings. The courts should be allowed to do their work.”
He nevertheless urged political actors to pursue their ambitions peacefully and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the constituency.
According to him, political competition should strengthen democracy rather than divide communities.
The Labour Party chairman reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Hon. Amobi Ogah, assuring party supporters that the lawmaker enjoys the full backing of the Labour Party leadership in Abia State.
He expressed optimism that the people of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi would ultimately evaluate leaders based on tangible performance rather than prolonged political dominance.
Azubuike concluded that the Labour Party remains committed to protecting the mandate given to Hon. Ogah while continuing to support effective representation and good governance across Abia State.
