The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has dismissed as baseless and mischievous the recent allegations leveled against him by some individuals claiming to be stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Saturday, Chief Nnaji described the accusations as desperate utterances by persons who no longer have any recognized standing within the APC. According to him, the individuals involved: Brigadier-General J.O.J. Okoloagu (Rtd.), Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, Idoko Emmanuel, Barr. Ejike Ugwu, and Mr. Anayo Ugwu; neither speak for the party nor represent its authentic leadership or membership in Enugu State.
The Minister reaffirmed his status as a respected and prominent chieftain of the APC, emphasizing that he remains a founding pillar of the party in Enugu 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 and national levels are well-documented and widely acknowledged.
Chief Nnaji further threw his weight behind Barrister Ugo Agballa, insisting that Agballa remains the duly recognized 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; including Brigadier-General J.O.J. Okoloagu (Rtd.), Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, Idoko Emmanuel, Barr. Ejike Ugwu, Mr. Anayo Ugwu, and others, are not certified or recognized members of the APC in Enugu State. Their purported gathering holds no legitimacy, and their pronouncements are of no consequence to the official activities, leadership, or direction of the APC,” he said.
He stressed 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.
The Minister called on 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.
Chief Nnaji 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.”
