By People&Politics Reporters
Fresh political maneuvers are unfolding in Enugu State following the sudden resignation of Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
His exit, linked to a certificate forgery scandal, has thrown open a high-stakes contest for the state’s lone ministerial slot.
Former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime have emerged as the leading contenders.
Nnaji, who was appointed in 2023, tendered his resignation last week amid allegations that his academic credentials from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), were falsified.
The development has triggered intense political lobbying, both within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and among powerful interests within Enugu State and Abuja.
A Federal Government (FG) official confirmed to People&Politics that “consultations have already begun quietly,” though he added that “the President does not appear to be in a hurry to announce a replacement for Nnaji.”
With growing indications that Governor Peter Mbah may be interested in joining the ruling All Progressives Congress, indications are that he may play a leading role in who clinches the position.
Mbah’s reported interest in the ruling APC, has drawn him strategically closer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a source, “Mbah is likely to push for someone he can work with — someone who will reflect his vision and not undermine his government.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest that former Governor Sullivan Chime fits the bill and might be Mbah’s preferred candidate.
Chime, who governed Enugu between 2007 and 2015, has remained politically influential and was instrumental in rallying Enugu West’s support for Mbah during the 2023 elections.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on the other hand, is believed to have secured strong backing from the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, with whom he maintains close political ties.
Wike’s growing influence in the Presidency and within the APC power structure is said to give Ugwuanyi a considerable advantage.
It is not clear whether he has reached out to Governor Mbah, his successor in office with whom he has maintained a good relationship.
So far, Gov Peter Mbah is playing the game close to his chest. Though he is close to both Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime, he has not given any indication where his support will go. Many people also suspect he may throw in an entirely new face or a top member of his present cabinet. None of his close associates is willing to disclose his plans.
Already, pressure groups and political blocs across the state have begun to mount arguments based on “zonal equity”.
The call for zonal balancing favours the Nsukka zone (Enugu North), which has not produced a Minister since 1999.
A former State Commissioner from the zone who spoke on condition of anonymity, told us: “Nsukka is now demanding that the next appointee come from its area. It is only fair and equitable in a state that has 3 distinct senatorial districts”.
In contrast, Enugu West, the base of Chime, has produced three Ministers since 1999 — Fidelia Njeze, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Geoffrey Onyeama.
Enugu East, which produced the resigned Minister Uche Nnaji, has also had its fair share, having earlier produced Dubem Gideon Onyia, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr. and Professor Barth Nnaji.
This historical imbalance may weigh heavily in the President’s eventual decision, particularly as the APC looks to deepen its support base across the state and the South-East.
List Of Former Ministers From Enugu State 1999-2025:
- 1. Dubem Onyia — Minister of State, Foreign Affairs (1999–2003).
- 2. Frank Nweke Jr. — Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs & Special Duties; later, Information & National Orientation; Information & Communications) (2003 —2007).
- 3. Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze — Minister of State (Defence); Minister of State (Agriculture & Water Resources); later, Minister of Aviation (2007–2011)
- 4. Professor Barth Nnaji — Minister of Power ( 2011 —2012).
- 5. Professor Chinedu Nebo — Minister of Power (2013 —2015).
- 6. Geoffrey Onyeama — Minister of Foreign Affairs (2015 — 2023).
- 7. Uche Nnaji — Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology (2023 — October 2025).
*PHOTO CAPTION: Ugwuanyi (left) and Chime.
