FOLLOWING issuance of codes to political parties to commence uploading of Governorship and State Assembly candidates into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal the candidate of the position Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state , Uche Nnaji has come under heavy criticisms and accussed of politics of optics

The former minister of Innovation , Science and Technology has also been criticised of celebrating mere confidential encounters as victory .

The Defence for Democracy in a statement maintained that rather than concentrate of clearing his name before the trial court over alleged sleaze , the former minister has adopted a dangerous pattern of deliberately turning ordinary moments into imaginary endorsements just to score cheap political points.

The statement issued by Dr Emeka Nwachukwu said:

“There is a dangerous pattern emerging in our political space today, the deliberate attempt to turn ordinary moments into imaginary political victories. A simple attendance at a government event is repackaged as a political earthquake. A handshake is marketed as an endorsement. A brief conversation is presented as evidence of influence, dominance, or a political takeover.

“But Nigerians, and especially the people of Enugu State, deserve better than manufactured narratives.

“The attempt by supporters of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji to portray his attendance at the commissioning of the Arab/Gbazango Road in Abuja as a major political statement is nothing more than political overreach.

“Let us be clear: attending a public function does not automatically translate into political strength. Sharing a stage with respected figures does not amount to an endorsement. “Exchanging greetings with former colleagues does not mean a new political alliance has been formed.”

The civil society group argued that ,” a ceremony is a ceremony. A courtesy interaction is a courtesy interaction.

“Anything beyond that is simply an attempt to create political significance where none exists.”

It accussed Uche Nnaji of descending into the status of a “former minister” not by choice, but because of the albatross of forgery allegation infamously hanging on his neck. This was why the pictures being circulated by his minions showed him bowing pliantly, cap-in-hand to Nyesom Wike.

“The joke around the whole irony is that his social media footsoldiers didn’t even know that Uche could not even approach Wike directly. He went in company of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who initiated the courtesy exchange of pleasantries.

“But, even if he had gone up to Wike on his own volition, it would not even have altered the reality that public showmanship does not create an automatic electoral mandate.”

The organisation emphasized that
Political relevance should not be measured by the number of powerful people one can stand beside in photographs.

“it is measured by the depth of connection one has with ordinary citizens.

“The people of Enugu State are not politically naive. They understand the difference between Abuja visibility and grassroots acceptance. They understand the difference between being seen around power and actually earning the trust of voters. And this is where Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom Nnaji has in his conceited self been claiming to be his opponent in 2027 stands out. Gov. Mbah, is a grassroots personality. Through his numerous people-centred projects which punctuated every nook and cranny of the State, he is a hero of the masses ahead of 2027.

“The truth is that political power is not genetically transferred through handshakes or commissioning ceremonies. It is earned through years of service, credible leadership, clear ideas, and the confidence of the people, as Mbah has demonstrated.

“Those trying to sell the idea that every encounter with Abuja personalities, as Uche is doing, represents a political victory are confusing access with acceptance. Democracy does not work that way.

“The people are not voting for photographs. They are not voting for proximity to influential individuals. They are not voting for headlines designed to create excitement on social media. They are voting for competence. They are voting for character. They are voting for someone who understands their struggles and has a practical vision for their future, as the Governor is doing.

“Uche Nnaji, like every other political aspirant, must ultimately answer to the people of Enugu State not Abuja networks, not political associations, and not publicity machines.

“The people will judge based on what they have seen, what they have experienced, and what they believe the future requires.

“Ndi Enugu does not need political drama disguised as progress. It does not need exaggerated celebrations of routine events. It needs serious conversations about jobs, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and economic development.

“The era where political relevance could be manufactured through carefully arranged appearances is ending.

“At the end of the day, democracy has one final authority, the people.And when the people speak, no amount of political packaging can silence their decision. Uche Nnaji and his handlers should know this and know peace.”