Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Josef Onoh, has dismissed reports of alleged external political interference in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, describing them as “a futile fantasy” and “dangerous miscalculation.”
Reacting to claims of a supposed alliance involving Nyesom Wike and Hope Uzodimma to install Uche Nnaji as governor, Onoh said such narratives are baseless and a waste of time and resources.
“My attention was drawn to the recent report peddling narratives of external interference in Enugu State politics… it is nothing but a futile fantasy, a dangerous miscalculation, and a complete waste of time, energy, and resources,” he said.
Onoh stressed that Enugu’s political future cannot be dictated by outsiders, insisting that only the people of the state have the power to choose their leaders.
“Enugu State is not Rivers State, and it is 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,” he stated.
He reaffirmed confidence in the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, arguing that no external backing can unseat a performing administration.
“The good people and residents of Enugu State… will decide who governs the Coal City State. No amount of external endorsement… can unseat a performing Governor like Dr. Peter Mbah,” Onoh said.
The former presidential aide added that even a combined political effort by Wike and Uzodimma would not influence the outcome of Enugu’s electoral process.
“Even if both Nyesom Wike… and Hope Uzodimma… combine their forces… it would still amount to zero. Their support cannot manufacture victory in Enugu,” he declared.
Onoh also issued a stern warning against any attempt to destabilise the state.
“Any attempt to set fire in Enugu State will be met with equal measure… If they ignite chaos here, we shall ensure the flames are felt where they originate,” he warned.
Addressing Uche Nnaji directly, Onoh described any immediate governorship ambition as misplaced.
“Chief Uche Nnaji is my brother… 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,” he said.
He urged Nnaji to instead support the current administration for the collective good of the state.
“The wise path… is to sheath his sword, join hands with Governor Peter Mbah, and work collectively for the progress of Enugu State,” he advised.
Onoh further called on President Tinubu to caution alleged external actors, warning that such interference could undermine political stability and electoral gains in the region.
“I urge Mr. President to warn all alleged external political actors to stay away from Enugu… I assure you that Gov. Peter Mbah will deliver,” he added.
Reaffirming the stance of Enugu stakeholders, Onoh concluded that the state’s political destiny remains firmly in the hands of its people.
“Enugu State politics will be determined by Enugu people, for Enugu people… Any misadventure will be resisted fiercely. Enugu is in capable hands… The people have seen the difference. They will not trade performance for external experimentation,” he said.
