Onoh Faults Uche Nnaji’s ‘One-Term’ Promise, Warns Against Undermining Enugu Zoning Arrangement

Former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Tinubu and chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji over a viral video in which Nnaji said he was wealthy enough to need only one term to “recover” and rebuild Enugu State before returning to private life.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Onoh said the remarks were “a dangerous political scam wrapped in arrogance and questionable credentials,” arguing that personal wealth does not guarantee integrity or respect for democratic norms.

“Being ‘rich’ has never stopped politicians from clinging to power or destroying established arrangements. History is littered with wealthy individuals who entered office promising to serve briefly only to become entrenched and destructive," Onoh said.

Defense of Enugu’s Zoning Arrangement

Onoh said that Enugu State had maintained a governorship zoning arrangement among its three senatorial zones since 1999, a system he said had promoted stability, fairness, and inclusiveness. He noted that Governor Peter Mbah, who hails from Enugu East Senatorial district, was respecting the arrangement by serving out his tenure.

“Disrupting it for personal ambition risks the peace we have enjoyed,” Onoh stated, arguing that Nnaji's claim of serving only one term is hollow, citing past examples at both federal and state levels where politicians made similar promises but later sought to extend their stay in office.

“True commitment to zoning and service is shown through actions and consistency, not emotional declarations in front of cameras,” he said.

Questions Over Wealth and Public Record

Onoh also questioned the basis of Nnaji’s claims of wealth, calling for verifiable evidence of businesses that had employed thousands, paid substantial taxes over decades, or driven measurable economic growth in Enugu or elsewhere.

“Nigerians deserve transparency. Boasting ‘I am so rich’ without specifics raises more questions than answers, especially for someone who served as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation but left under controversy.”

He said public records and tax filings should speak louder than rhetoric, and noted that wealth without visible, verifiable public impact often invited scrutiny. Onoh referenced past allegations of certificate forgery involving the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and NYSC, which he said led to investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Nnaji’s eventual resignation. 

Nnaji is yet to publicly address those allegations in response to Onoh’s statement.

Onoh added that he personally held legitimate assets he estimated to be ten times greater than Nnaji’s but had never made public boasts, saying such displays were typical of “accidental new money” individuals seeking validation.

Challenge on Public Contributions

The former lawmaker challenged Nnaji to point to any public school, hospital, major road, scholarship program, or community development project he had personally funded in Enugu State or his community, apart from his private country home.

“Where are the foundations, CSR initiatives, or job-creating industries bearing his name before seeking the highest office?” Onoh asked. “Private success is commendable, but public service demands proven public impact. Silence on this speaks volumes.”

Onoh Backs Mbah’s Record

In contrast, Onoh said Governor Peter Mbah had demonstrated “realistic, results-driven leadership” with measurable outcomes. He cited reports of a reported 280% increase in Internally Generated Revenue in the early period of Mbah’s administration, driven by reforms, digital taxation, and efforts to plug leakages.

On infrastructure, Onoh listed over 1,000 km of roads constructed in urban and rural areas, water schemes such as the 9th Mile project delivering millions of litres daily, smart green schools across wards, primary healthcare centers, and industrial initiatives including tractor assembly.

He also noted improvements in the security environment, youth empowerment programs, and efforts to grow the state’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion to higher figures.

“Mbah’s approach is technocratic, evidence-based, and focused on long-term transformation — not short-term ‘recovery’ boasts. He respects zoning and has delivered tangible dividends in just two years.”

Call to Voters

Onoh urged Enugu indigenes and residents not to fall for what he called “political scams sold by questionable characters peddling unverified riches and one-term promises.”

“Demand proof of integrity, public service record, and respect for our zoning stability. Support leaders with verifiable achievements, not those whose entry into politics is clouded by scandals.

“Enugu deserves better — sustainable progress, not recovery theatre. Let’s choose wisely for a greater Enugu," Onoh advised.