Cabinet Shake-Up Looms! Inside The List Of Politicians Jostling To Replace Uche Nnaji

A new political tussle is unfolding over who will succeed the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following his recent resignation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emerging as leading contenders are two former governors — Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi — and defence strategist Davidson Nnamani.

While Chime and Nnamani belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ugwuanyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly banking on his strong ties with the pro-Tinubu G5 bloc to bolster his chances.

According to Vanguard, analysts believe the selection process will transcend party lines, as zoning considerations and regional balance are expected to play key roles.

The Enugu bloc, which produced the current governor, Peter Mbah, has long dominated ministerial appointments — with both Geoffrey Onyeama and Uche Nnaji hailing from the area. In contrast, the Nsukka bloc, home to over 52% of the state’s voting population, has not had a ministerial representative since 1999, fuelling calls for equity and inclusion.

Among the aspirants, Davidson Nnamani, though younger, is viewed by insiders as the most strategically positioned candidate. A PhD holder in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he hails from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area and is widely regarded as a pragmatic grassroots politician within the APC.

Former Governor Sullivan Chime, from Udi, is said to be lobbying key power brokers in Abuja, while Ugwuanyi, from Udenu, is relying on his close relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, one of the most influential figures in the Tinubu administration.

Ultimately, the final decision rests with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to weigh political loyalty, regional balance, and competence before announcing Enugu’s next representative in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).