Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and Enugu State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 election, Chief Uche Nnaji, has signed a pact to serve only one term of four years if elected governor.

Nnaji signed the undertaking on Friday at Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised in his honour by PDP supporters and stakeholders.

The candidate said the decision was in recognition of the existing zoning arrangement in the state, assuring that he would not seek re-election after completing his first term.

Nnaji said his one-term commitment would enable him to concentrate on delivering good governance and implementing his development agenda without being distracted by the pursuit of a second term.

“I am not interested in perpetuating myself in power. That is not the idea. That is why I said I am not going to disrupt the arrangement that is running, which is zoning of power. I am aware that Nkanu has gone for four years. So, being an Nkanu man, I will go for one term. After the one tenure, I will go.

“I am going to bring a different approach to governance. My approach will be just for human beings. I am not going to govern for animals. We must have conscience in governance. Government is said to be for the people, by the people and for the people,” he said.

He also promised to introduce what he called a “one-day, one-project” policy, through which his administration would initiate and execute development projects across the state.

Nnaji said his ambition was to leave behind a legacy of rapid development and improved living standards at the end of his four-year tenure.

He appealed to the people of Enugu to support his aspiration, promising that his administration would be people-oriented, transparent and guided by a genuine commitment to the development of the state.

On taxation, the PDP candidate said his administration would govern with “conscience”, arguing that policies that impose excessive burdens on residents and businesses should be reviewed.

“So, we must govern with conscience. If you put a tax regime in place and it becomes so bad for the people, why are you keeping it? You withdraw it.

“Look at all these taxes going on in Enugu State. The cost of living has risen so high. Enugu State has become the most expensive state in the whole federation, and this is a civil service town, a public service town.

“Most people who want to build industries in Enugu State are taking them to Anambra because of the fear of taxation. So, we must govern with conscience,” he said.

Also speaking, a PDP chieftain, Basil Ani, pledged the support of party members and supporters for Nnaji’s ambition, saying they would work to ensure his emergence as governor in 2027.

Ani said Nnaji had grown beyond being a mere political candidate, describing him as a movement with growing support among the people.

“I want to tell you that Uche Nnaji has become a movement that is at the heart of the people. It is no longer about the political party; it is about the conviction of the people towards him. Nwakaibie is here to stay. Nwakaibie is here to take over,” he said.

Ani maintained that Enugu State remained a stronghold of the PDP, expressing confidence that the party would reclaim the governorship in the 2027 general election.

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