When in 2015, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah ventured into Abia Governorship race, many did not know him beyond his many successes in business stretching oil/gas, manufacturing and investments. His greatest strength at the time was his burgeoning philanthropy which flowed from his traceable sources of income (the people appreciate philanthropy that is sponsored through legitimate and traceable sources of income).
In 2015, the now Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development was believed to have organised the next most successful campaign, with structures posting visible five star presence in all the Local Governments in Abia. It is also believed and correctly too that his choice of Assistants and his knack for having personal interest in their welfare oiled the wheels of his campaigns. However, despite the huge try, a more popular Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was declared validly elected. Ogah had contested the primaries in PDP with Okezie and others. Perhaps, Oga’s belief that he was shortchanged by the PDP spurred him to engage in the fiercest electoral battle, challenging the pre – qualification status of Ikpeazu his party man.
The 52 year Onuaku Uturu Isuikwuato born business mogul tried unsuccessfully to use the courts to upturn Okezie’s election. Not even the momentary declaration by Hon. Justice Okon Abang that he be sworn in as Governor could give him the desired reprieve. Pundits believe that the feat of that pyrrhic victory set Ogah miles apart from others aspiring to be Governor in Abia State.
Ogah made a come back in 2019 now under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ironically, his campaign lacked the usual energy, bite and conviction as that of 2015. It was so obvious that many reasoned that the Founder of Masters Energy Conglomerate was not contesting any election. A poorly rated Ogah still took the electoral space by storm, coming second only behind Gov. Ikpeazu who was re elected for another four year tenure. Whatever happened, Ogah appeared to have changed his tactics as his once vibrant legal team crashed at the Elections Petitiobs Trubunal holden at Umuahia. Pundits seemed to have made a valid prediction regarding his seriousness as he surrendered (by not appealing the return of a more popular Ikpeazu) rather early enough.
2023
When (not if) the Hon. Minister of State declares his interest to seek election as Governor of Abia State, his greatest weakness would be political party through which he would pursue his ambition. The APC in Abia State does not seem to us to be together and formidable at this time. With three parallel Congresses producing two State Party Chairmen, APC seems poised for internal showdown.
Another factor, assuming APC in Abia puts its house together before 2022, the fear of High Chief Ikechi Emenike and Dr Alex Otti would be profound. This duo have become serial Governorship aspirants and would definitely give Ogah a run for his money. It is not certain what the Officer Order of the Niger (OON) is keeping close to his chest as a Plan B but realising his ambition through another political party may not be impossible. It is yet to be seen how he would reconcile that option with his position as a Federal Minister and member of the ruling APC
With the revitalisation and reenginering of his Large industry at Onuaku, many see him as a spirited merchant whose ability to manage men and materials is hardly in doubt.
Since his appointment as a Federal Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019, there are strong voices that he may not have impressed his supporters given the enormity of expectations that greeted his appointment.
What we cannot ascertain at this time is the state of his very many political structures. It appears that those who could not grapple with the disappointments of 2015 and particularly 2019 may have left and realigned with others. The major factor which many would neglect at their peril, is the having the financial wherewithal. Is it possible to show the 2015 strength in 2023?
We promise to keep a tab on the Ogah’s political chess board as days go by.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
The opinions expressed except where they originate from benudechukwu.com, represent the views of such authors. BENUDECHUKWU.COM shall not be held liable for such personal views as canvassed.
