The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Hon. Peter Azubuike, has declared his support for the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, describing him as one of Nigeria’s best-performing federal lawmakers.
Azubuike made the remarks during his first official media interaction with journalists at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Umuahia, where he addressed the political contest involving former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the incumbent lawmaker.
While acknowledging that Onyejeocha has a constitutional right to contest any elective office, the Labour Party chairman questioned the rationale behind seeking to replace a legislator whom he said has delivered exceptional representation within less than four years in office.
According to him, politics in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency should be guided by maturity, unity, and the collective interest of the people rather than prolonged political rivalry.
Azubuike noted that Onyejeocha had already served the constituency for 16 uninterrupted years in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2023 before her appointment as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, arguing that the constituency should also allow other leaders the opportunity to serve.
«”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 said.»
He stressed that his remarks were not intended as a personal attack on the former minister, whom he described as a respected political figure, but maintained that public office should ultimately be judged by performance and the overall interest of the people.
The LP chairman argued that removing Hon. Ogah at this stage would amount to replacing one of the constituency’s most productive representatives despite his impressive record.
“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?” Azubuike queried.
He called for an objective assessment of both politicians based on measurable achievements rather than political sentiments.
According to him, while Onyejeocha spent 16 years representing the constituency, Ogah has recorded remarkable achievements in less than four years through legislative interventions, constituency projects, empowerment programmes, and regular engagement with constituents.
“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,” he stated.
Azubuike further described Ogah as one of the country’s most impactful first-term lawmakers, citing his legislative contributions, youth and women empowerment initiatives, and constituency development projects.
“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,” he added.
The Labour Party chairman also questioned the political logic of seeking a return to the House of Representatives after already serving multiple terms and occupying a ministerial position.
He observed that since Onyejeocha left the Federal Executive Council, no other indigene of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi had been appointed into a comparable federal office, suggesting that political leaders should focus on creating opportunities for others 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?” he asked.
Commenting on the legal dispute surrounding the constituency, Azubuike declined to discuss the merits of the matter, saying it was already before the court.
“The matter is before the court, and I will not interfere with judicial proceedings. The courts should be allowed to do their work,” he said.
He, however, urged political actors to pursue their ambitions peacefully and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension, stressing that political competition should strengthen democracy rather than divide communities.
Azubuike reaffirmed the Labour Party’s confidence in Hon. Amobi Ogah and assured party supporters that the lawmaker enjoys the full backing of the party leadership in Abia State.
He expressed optimism that the people of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi would ultimately assess their leaders based on tangible performance and effective representation, reaffirming the Labour Party’s commitment to protecting Ogah’s mandate and promoting good governance across Abia State.
