Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, against using his name and image for campaign purposes without permission.
Ngige, who once served as Governor of Anambra State and held various national positions, expressed disapproval over campaign posters that feature his photo alongside those of Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife. The posters, currently circulating online, have raised concerns about potential public misrepresentation.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Hyggy Obialo, Ngige distanced himself from the campaign, clarifying that he neither endorsed the candidates nor granted approval for the use of his image.
“Our attention has been drawn to an online poster showing Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige featured alongside the APC governorship candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his deputy, Senator Uche Ekwunife,” the statement read. “This was done without his consent or approval.”
The statement emphasized that Ngige, who served as a minister until 2023, is currently on a break from active politics following 25 years of public service.
“Senator Ngige is on a well-deserved sabbatical from partisan politics. He has stated this publicly on several occasions. We advise those behind this act to respect his decision,” the statement concluded.
Ngige served as Anambra State Governor from 2003 to 2006, represented Anambra Central in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, and held cabinet positions as Minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023.
