Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has described as baseless, allegations against him by some individuals claiming to be stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
He was reacting to the recent statement by APC stakeholders accusing him of spearheading leadership crisis in APC Enugu State, saying it was baseless and desperate utterances by persons who no longer have any recognised standing within the party.
According to him, the individuals involved neither speak for the party nor represent its authentic leadership in Enugu State.
The minister reaffirmed his status as a respected and prominent chieftain of the APC, emphasizing that he remained a founding member and pillar of the party in Enugu State and “a critical voice for the advancement of progressive ideals across the South-East.”
He noted that his loyalty and contributions to the growth and stability of the APC at both state, regional and national levels are well-documented and widely acknowledged.
Nnaji, however, gave a vote of confidence in the leadership qualities of Chief Ugo Agballa, insisting that “Agballa remains the duly recognised and authentic Chairman of the APC in Enugu State.”
“It is necessary to state unequivocally that those who convened and attended the so-called stakeholders’ meeting; their purported gathering holds no legitimacy, and their pronouncements are of no consequence to official activities, leadership, or direction of APC,” he said.
The minister noted that their claims should be disregarded by the public, describing their actions as “calculated attempts to cause confusion and mislead party members and the general public.”
According to him, governance must always be assessed holistically and not through blanket applause.
Nnaji urged genuine and certified APC members in Enugu State to remain focused, disciplined and committed to the efforts aimed at repositioning the party.
He also urged the national leadership of the APC and the public to disregard any claims or activities by individuals who have no mandate to speak for or represent the party.
Nnaji also reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and to the service of Nigeria through his portfolio in the Federal Executive Council, declaring that he would not be distracted by “orchestrated campaigns of calumny and mischief.”
