2027: Steer Clear of Enugu Guber, Onoh warns Wike, Uzodinma

The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge. Josef Onoh, has warned Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State not to interfere in the 2027 governorship election in Enugu state.

Onoh made the warning in reaction to reports of alleged external political interference in Enugu state in favour of the former Minister for Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji. 

Onoh said that his attention was drawn to the recent report peddling narratives of external interference in Enugu State politics, particularly the supposed alleged alliance between Minister Nyesom Wike and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to install Chief Uche Nnaji as the next Governor of Enugu State in 2027. 

Onoh stated that it was nothing but a futile fantasy, a dangerous miscalculation, and a complete waste of time, energy, and resources.

Onoh said that Enugu State is not Rivers State, and certainly not Imo State. 

"Enugu is not a 'no man's land' where outsiders can stroll in and impose their preferred candidates through political horse-trading or supremacy battles." 

Onoh further stressed that the good people and residents of Enugu State — the real stakeholders, the indigenes, the voters, and the grassroots — will decide who governs the Coal City State. 

"No amount of external endorsement, no matter how loud or influential the backers claim to be, can unseat a performing Governor like Dr. Peter Mbah.

"Even if both Nyesom Wike who I respect to a reasonable extent and Hope Uzodimma allegedly are to combine their forces and throw their full weight behind Uche Nnaji, it would still amount to zero. Their support cannot manufacture victory in Enugu. The choice of who leads Enugu belongs exclusively to the people of Enugu. External forces should steer clear and respect the sovereignty of our state politics."

Onoh said that any attempt to set fire in Enugu state will be met with equal measure.

"We will return the favour without hesitation. If they ignite chaos here, we shall ensure the flames are felt where they originate, and when the heat becomes unbearable, we will all rush to the fire service together. But let it be known that Enugu will not be the starting point of such recklessness.

"Chief Uche Nnaji is my brother, and I say this with love and candour: running for Governor of Enugu State at this time is a colossal waste of time. It is an exercise in futility that will only bring unnecessary division, distraction, and embarrassment. The same Enugu platform that has given many of us — including Uche Nnaji — visibility, relevance, and opportunities to serve at national levels was fought for and firmly established by my late father, Chief C.C Onoh,(Okaa-Ome Ngwo) and his comrades of blessed memory during the creation of the state. 

"We, the next generation of those founding fathers, will not fold our arms and watch external forces destabilise what they laboured to build. Not under the watch of statesmen and illustrious sons of Enugu State from H.E.Sen. Jim Nwobodo, H.E. Sen. Ken Nnamani, H.E, Sullivan Chime, H.E, Amb. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Majority members of forum of former members of Enugu State House of Assembly, federal house of Representatives, former councillors and both former local government chairmen and serving Local Government chairmen to mention but the least.

"As the former southeast spokesman to Mr.President, I walked the regional terrain during it's most dangerous and security threatening times campaigning for your victory, I alone was the only voice in the entire region selling your candidacy when it was a taboo to mention your name let alone APC, nobody from southeast was brave enough to risk nor attempt what I did in campaigning for you and today their results of my labour can be felt from the multitude that is now singing your praises in the southeast. 

"I urge Mr. President to warn all alleged external political actors to stay away from Enugu to avoid compromising your own victory in our state. I assure you that Gov. Peter Mbah will deliver.

"The wise path for my brother Uche Nnaji is to sheath his sword, join hands with Governor Peter Mbah, and work collectively for the progress of Enugu State. There is more than enough room for all genuine sons and daughters of the soil to contribute to the development of our dear state under the current focused and results-driven leadership. Unity in purpose, not imported political warfare, is what Enugu needs.

"Let this message ring loud and clear across the South-East and beyond: Enugu State politics will be determined by Enugu people, for Enugu people, and in the interest of Enugu people. Outsiders, no matter how highly placed, should respect boundaries and focus on their own domains. Any misadventure will be resisted fiercely.

"Enugu is in capable hands with Governor Peter Mbah. The people have seen the difference. They will not trade performance for external experimentation."