Editorial – 20/4/2026
The political atmosphere in Abia State has been charged in recent days following growing tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the stance of one of its prominent National Leaders, Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, CON.
Dr. Ogah, who once served as Minister of State under the administration of the ruling party, APC, has stirred debate after openly declaring his support for the current governor of the state, Alex Chioma Otti of the Labour Party.
Despite his leadership role and a strong force in the APC, Dr Ogah has maintained that Governor Otti has demonstrated commendable leadership and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people of Abia State. He further stated his intention to support both Governor Otti’s second-term ambition and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027—an unusual political alignment that has not sat well with many within his party.
The APC, Abia State Chapter, has reacted, with calls for disciplinary action, including suspension, citing what they describe as “anti-party activities” and a breach of political loyalty.
However, this narrative has now taken a new turn with the intervention of Ambassador Dr. Osita Offor “De Ultimate Commander” (Ikenga Gburugburu). In a firm and unapologetic reaction, Ambassador Offor condemned the criticisms directed at Dr. Ogah, describing them as disconnected from the realities and needs of the people.
“Only politicians with anti-people rhetorics are opposed to Dr. Uche Ogah’s support for Governor Alex Otti,” Offor declared.
His statement underscores a growing sentiment among some political observers and stakeholders—that governance performance should outweigh party affiliations. Ambassador Offor’s defense positions Dr Ogah not as a defector, but as a pragmatic leader willing to prioritize effective governance over myopic thinking of some self centered individuals with extreme desperation for power..
The unfolding situation raises broader questions about the nature of political loyalty in Nigeria. Should allegiance to party structures supersede the good performance of leaders? Or is there room for a more flexible, performance-driven political culture?
As 2027 gradually comes into focus, the Ogah-Otti endorsement experience may well signal a shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics—one where cross-party support, though controversial, could become a tool for evaluating leadership based on results rather than rhetoric.
For now, Dr. Uche Ogah stands at the center of an evolving political development —hailed by some as courageous and patriotic, and criticized by others as disloyal. But as voices like Osita Offor’s grow louder, the debate is no longer just about party lines—it is about the people, their interests, and the future of governance in Abia State.
This debate has become a clarion call for every well meaning Abians, albeit, Nigerians that the beauty of leadership and existence of parties is to defend democracy and to put the people first. Anything other than that is only serving the interest of privileged few at the expense of the masses.
