former South-East spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has criticised the position of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over his support for zoning the Enugu State governorship and his pledge to serve only one term if elected in 2027.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Onoh described Nnaji’s stance as inconsistent, warning that it could disrupt the rotational arrangement that has guided power sharing among the state’s three senatorial zones since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Onoh argued that any support for zoning must include respect for the completion of the current tenure of the Enugu East Senatorial District, which is presently producing the governor. He maintained that proposals that deviate from the established rotation could undermine equity among the zones.
According to him, the incumbent governor, Peter Mbah, should be allowed to complete two terms in office to preserve the existing zoning structure. He added that this would enable the Enugu West Senatorial Zone to produce the next governor in 2031, in line with the rotation principle.
Onoh stressed that maintaining the current arrangement would help sustain political balance and prevent potential disputes among the senatorial districts.
He also raised concerns about the feasibility of a one-term pledge, noting that Nigeria’s constitution permits elected governors to seek re-election. According to him, such promises may create uncertainty and unsettle expectations within the zoning framework.
Emphasising the need for stability, Onoh said continuity, fairness, and strict adherence to the zoning arrangement remain essential for political harmony in Enugu State.
He concluded by urging political stakeholders to prioritise equity, consistency, and respect for established agreements in order to strengthen democratic governance in the state.
