Labour Party disowns lawmaker-elect for praising Tinubu's intelligence

In less than 48 hours after a member-elect of the Labour Party (LP), Hon Amobi Ogah, expressed admiration for President Bola Tinubu's intelligence, the party officially disowned him. The Labour Party clarified that Ogah's endorsement of President Tinubu's leadership qualities was solely his personal opinion and not representative of the party's stance.

Following a brief meeting with President Tinubu and hearing his remarks on the 10th National Assembly leadership in Abuja, Ogah recorded a video with Channelstv expressing his excitement. In the video, he proclaimed, "Today is my best day. Today, I'm so happy that I'm an elected member seeing my president talking. In fact, I never knew 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. So I'm so glad that the meeting we had today is going to take us a little bit to a more stabilized house. Now, even without talking to us again, we have agreed that we are going towards the government's decision."

However, the Labour Party swiftly responded to Ogah's remarks. In an official statement issued by its acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party emphasized that while Ogah had the right to express his individual opinions as a first-time and newly elected lawmaker, his views did not align with the party's position. The Labour Party clarified that Ogah did not have the authority to speak on behalf of the party, and his comments contradicted the party's principles.

The Labour Party further highlighted its ongoing legal efforts to reclaim its mandate, which it claims was unjustly taken away in the presidential election held on February 25. The party expressed confidence in the pursuit of justice and emphasized that any route to leadership must be characterized by excellence, as anything less would undermine democracy. The party urged its numerous members who were offended by Ogah's widely circulated interview to remain composed, as Ogah had expressed regret for his actions and issued an unconditional apology to the party.