The former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has declared that he would serve only a single four-year term if elected Governor of Enugu State in the 2027 general elections.
Nnaji, popularly known as Nwakibie, made the declaration during a consultative and interactive workshop with his political supporters and grassroots mobilisers drawn from across the state.
The meeting, which brought together party leaders, youth groups, women organisations, professionals and other stakeholders, centred on his leadership philosophy, vision for Enugu State and long-term development blueprint.
In what became the highlight of the session, Nnaji told his supporters that his decision to serve only one term was rooted in his commitment to the zoning arrangement in the state.
He said: “I want to state this clearly and without any ambiguity: I will serve only one term of four years if elected governor in 2027.
“This decision is deliberate. It is based on my deep respect for the zoning structure in Enugu State, which has helped to maintain political balance, fairness and unity among our people over the years.
“I am 100 per cent committed to this arrangement. By 2031, Enugu West Senatorial District should produce the next governor, and I have no intention whatsoever to truncate or disrupt that process. Leadership should not be driven by personal ambition, but by fairness, equity and the long-term stability of our state.”
The former minister said his extensive background in business had equipped him with the capacity to deliver meaningful results within a short period.
“As an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, I do not need more than four years to reposition Enugu State economically. I have spent decades building businesses, creating jobs and developing industries. That experience has prepared me adequately to deliver transformative leadership within a short time frame.
“Four years is enough to lay a solid foundation that will turn Enugu into an economic and industrial powerhouse, capable of generating sustainable wealth for both indigenes and non-indigenes,” he said.
Nnaji identified key areas of opportunity in the state, including solid minerals, agriculture, human capital development, tourism and industrial expansion, lamenting that they had remained underutilised.
“Enugu State is richly blessed with enormous economic potential, but unfortunately, these resources have either been untapped or poorly managed over the years.
“My administration will focus on harnessing these opportunities productively. We will create jobs, boost internally generated revenue and grow the economy without placing additional tax burdens on our people. What we are going to witness in Enugu State will be nothing short of an industrial revolution,” he said.
Highlighting his track record, Nnaji recalled his tenure as minister, noting that he improved the performance of the ministry significantly.
“When I assumed office, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology was ranked among the worst performing ministries in Nigeria.
“But within two years, we moved it to become the fourth best performing ministry nationwide. That is what competence, vision and experience can do. People can never give what they do not have,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of continuity beyond his proposed tenure, noting that he was already committed to supporting the emergence of a capable successor from Enugu West.
“I am not just thinking about four years; I am thinking about the future of Enugu State. By 2031, we must have someone from Enugu West who can continue and expand the economic and industrial blueprint we would have established. That is how development becomes sustainable.”
To drive home his argument that impactful governance does not depend on long years in office, Nnaji referenced the achievements of former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo.
“Look at what Senator Jim Nwobodo achieved between 1979 and 1983. In just four years, he executed projects that many administrations could not accomplish in 20 years. That clearly shows that transformational leadership is not about how long you stay in office, but what you are able to do with the time you have,” he said.
He cited projects such as the establishment of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, the development of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Trans Ekulu Housing Estate, and the Anambra State Television, among others, as evidence of Nwobodo’s legacy.
“At the end of my four years, I intend to return to private life, satisfied that I have laid a solid foundation for the economic and industrial growth of Enugu State.
“My greatest ambition is not political power, but to leave behind a legacy that future generations will benefit from for decades,” he assured.
He urged his supporters to remain united and committed to the shared vision of a prosperous Enugu State.
