Following the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the political scene in Enugu State has been thrown into a fresh contest over who will fill the vacant ministerial slot in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Among those being tipped for consideration are former Governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as defence strategist Dr. Davidson Nnamani.
While Chime and Nnamani are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ugwuanyi, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is seen as sympathetic to the G-5 bloc of PDP leaders allied with the Tinubu administration.
Political analysts say the contest currently tilts in favour of Dr. Nnamani, who, being younger, is viewed as a fresh technocratic voice with academic and professional expertise in national security and strategic planning.
A major determinant of the appointment, however, may be Enuguâs delicate zoning balance between the Enugu and Nsukka political blocs. The sitting governor, Peter Mbah, and the last two ministers Geoffrey Onyeama and Uche Nnaji all hail from the Enugu bloc.
By contrast, the Nsukka bloc, which represents over 52 percent of Enuguâs voting population, has not produced a federal minister since 1999. This has intensified calls for fairness and equitable representation in the upcoming appointment.
Former Governor Sullivan Chime, from Udi Local Government Area, is said to be quietly lobbying for the position, while Ugwuanyi, from Udenu Local Government Area, is reportedly banking on his close ties with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to push his bid.
Dr. Davidson Nnamani, who holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, hails from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area â the same senatorial district as the outgoing minister. A committed APC figure and grassroots mobiliser, he is widely regarded as detribalised and pragmatic.
Ultimately, the decision rests with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to weigh political, regional, and performance factors before announcing Enugu Stateâs next representative in the Federal Executive Council.



Contact & Orders đ 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 đ www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________

