Ex-Minister who quit over certificate scandal wins PDP governorship ticket in Enugu

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election in Enugu State.

Nnaji secured a landslide victory at the party’s primary election held in Enugu on Monday, polling 7,424 votes to defeat his closest rival, Samson Nnamani, who garnered 600 votes.

The exercise was supervised by the chairman of the PDP State Gubernatorial Committee, Austin Nwachukwu, who commended party members for maintaining order throughout the process.

According to him, the outcome demonstrated the PDP’s strength and readiness for the 2027 governorship contest in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Nnaji expressed gratitude to party delegates for entrusting him with the mandate, pledging not to disappoint the people of the state if elected governor.

He criticised what he described as excessive taxation and economic hardship imposed on residents, alleging that businesses and low-income earners in the state were being overburdened.

“Our people have suffered greatly in the last three years due to excessive and obnoxious taxes. Landlords are groaning, hoteliers are struggling, commercial motorcyclists have virtually disappeared, and even petty traders are taxed,” he said.

Nnaji promised to pursue policies aimed at reducing economic hardship, industrialising the state and creating jobs for young people.

According to him, rebuilding industries would help address unemployment and youth restiveness across the state.

“We will rebuild Enugu State and restore industries that can provide employment opportunities for our people. Government should support the less privileged rather than impose unbearable burdens on them,” he added.

The former minister also vowed to improve living conditions within four years if elected, stating that he would serve only one term in office.

Nnaji’s emergence comes amid lingering public attention over the circumstances surrounding his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

Two years into the Tinubu administration, the former minister stepped down following allegations of certificate forgery.

An investigation by Premium Times newspaper had alleged that Nnaji submitted forged degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation process.

The allegations generated widespread controversy at the time and eventually led to his resignation from office.

Despite the controversy, Nnaji has now secured the PDP governorship ticket as the party prepares for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.