The Labour Party has distanced itself from the personal assessment made by one of its members-elect in the House of Representatives, Amobi Ogah, regarding President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style. Ogah, representing the Isuikwuato-Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, expressed his admiration for Tinubu’s intelligence after the president’s meeting with lawmakers-elect for the 10th Assembly.
Ogah stated, “Today is my best day. I’m so happy that I’m an elected member seeing my president talking. In fact, I’ve never known that this man is so intelligent. I never knew that this man is so prepared to serve this country. I saw the love, character, and charisma—the belief that Nigeria can be a better nation.”
Despite Ogah’s praise, the Labour Party and its supporters were displeased with his remarks. In response, the party issued a statement titled “Hon. Ogah’s position on President Tinubu’s leadership, personal not party position,” expressing its disapproval of his actions. The statement, signed by Obiora Ifoh, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, highlighted that such a comment should not have come from an LP member, especially at a time when the LP’s presidential candidate is contesting the presidential election result at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
While acknowledging Ogah’s right to express his individual opinion, the party emphasized that he does not have the mandate to speak on behalf of the party and that his views contradict the party’s stance. The statement clarified that the Labour Party is currently focused on reclaiming its mandate through the tribunal, as it believes it won the election but was unfairly denied the victory.
The Labour Party maintained that it does not harbor any personal grievances against President Tinubu but is challenging the electoral process and the final outcome of the presidential election. The party stressed the importance of a democratic process that upholds excellence and reiterated its belief that justice will prevail.
Concluding the statement, the party called on its members to remain calm, as Ogah has expressed regret for his actions and offered an unreserved apology to the party.
