The former South-East spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has reacted to reports of alleged external political interference in Enugu State by Chief Uche Nnaji and his sponsors.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Onoh said his attention had been drawn to reports alleging external interference in Enugu politics, particularly claims of a supposed alliance between Minister Nyesom Wike and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to install Chief Uche Nnaji as the next governor of Enugu State in 2027.

He dismissed the claims, describing them as “nothing but a futile fantasy, a dangerous miscalculation, and a complete waste of time, energy, and resources.”

Onoh stressed that Enugu State “is not Rivers State, and it is certainly not Imo State,” adding that it is not a “no man’s land” where outsiders can impose candidates through political manoeuvring.

He further stated that the people of Enugu State would determine their leadership, insisting that no external endorsement could unseat a performing governor like Dr Peter Mbah.

“Even if both Nyesom Wike, who I respect to a reasonable extent, and Hope Uzodimma allegedly combine their forces and throw their full weight behind Uche Nnaji, it would still amount to zero. Their support cannot manufacture victory in Enugu. The choice of who leads Enugu belongs exclusively to the people of Enugu. External forces should steer clear and respect the sovereignty of our state politics,” he said.

Onoh warned against any attempt to destabilise the state, saying such actions would be resisted.

“Any attempt to set fire in Enugu State will be met with equal measure — we will return the favour without hesitation. If they ignite chaos here, we shall ensure the flames are felt where they originate, and when the heat becomes unbearable, we will all rush to the fire service together. But let it be known: Enugu will not be the starting point of such recklessness,” he added.

Addressing Chief Uche Nnaji directly, Onoh described him as “my brother,” but cautioned that pursuing the governorship ambition at this time would be counterproductive.

“Running for Governor of Enugu State at this time is a colossal waste of time. It is an exercise in futility that will only bring unnecessary division, distraction, and embarrassment,” he said.

He recalled the role played by founding fathers of the state, including his late father, Chief C.C. Onoh, in establishing Enugu’s political foundation, stressing that the current generation would not allow external forces to destabilise it.

Onoh listed prominent Enugu leaders, including Senator Jim Nwobodo, Senator Ken Nnamani, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside members of the Enugu political class, as stakeholders committed to preserving the state’s stability.

Reflecting on his role as a former presidential spokesman in the South-East, Onoh said he actively campaigned for President Tinubu during challenging times in the region.

“As the former South-East spokesman to Mr President, I walked the regional terrain during its most dangerous and security-threatening times campaigning for your victory. I alone was the only voice in the entire region selling your candidacy when it was a taboo to mention your name, let alone APC. Nobody from the South-East was brave enough to risk nor attempt what I did in campaigning for you, and today the results of my labour can be felt from the multitude that is now singing your praises in the South-East,” he said.