Nigerian politician Chris Ngige, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, has strongly condemned the unauthorized use of his image in campaign materials by Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2025 Anambra State governorship election. The dispute centers on a campaign poster circulating online that features Ngige alongside Ukachukwu and his running mate, Uche Ekwunife, ahead of the November 8 election.
In a statement released Tuesday by his media aide, Hyggy Obialo, Ngige clarified that he had neither approved nor consented to the use of his likeness, calling the move an attempt to “mislead the public.” The poster, which includes Ngige’s photograph and his traditional title, “Onwa-na-etiliora,” has sparked criticism from the former governor’s camp.
“Our principal is currently on a sabbatical from partisan politics after 25 years of public service,” the statement emphasized, referencing Ngige’s extensive career. This includes serving as Anambra State governor (2003–2006), senator for Anambra Central (2011–2015), and two-term federal minister (2015–2023). The statement urged those responsible to “respect his wishes,” noting Ngige has repeatedly declared his temporary withdrawal from political activities to focus on personal rest.
The controversy highlights tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties prepare for state-level elections. Campaign strategies often leverage the credibility of established figures, but Ngige’s rebuke underscores the risks of such tactics without explicit consent. While the APC has not publicly responded to the allegations, the incident raises questions about accountability in campaign messaging.
Anambra, a southeastern Nigerian state with a history of competitive elections, will see voters choose a new governor in 2025. Ngige’s prominence as a former officeholder and party stalwart makes his endorsement politically valuable, but his explicit disavowal signals a clear boundary. Analysts suggest the incident may prompt closer scrutiny of campaign materials to prevent misrepresentation ahead of the polls.
The statement concluded with a call for transparency, reinforcing Ngige’s neutral stance: “We advise all parties to adhere to ethical standards and avoid exploiting his legacy for unauthorized political gains.” As campaigns intensify, the dispute serves as a reminder of the fine line between strategic alliances and perceived manipulation in Nigeria’s dynamic electoral environment.
