Less than eight months after his resignation as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Enugu State for the 2027 general election.
Nnaji polled 7,424 votes to defeat his closest rival Samson Nnamani, who garnered 600 votes, in the PDP primary election conducted across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The former minister resigned on October 7, 2025, from the Federal Executive Council following allegations that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation.
He was appointed minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023 before stepping down amid the controversy.
Announcing the results in Enugu, chairman of the seven-member primary election committee, Austin Nwachukwu, declared Nnaji the winner after he secured the highest number of valid votes cast.
“By the powers conferred on me as chairman of the primary election committee, I hereby declare Uche Nnaji as winner of the governorship primary, having secured the highest number of votes,” Nwachukwu said.
He described the exercise as peaceful and compliant with the Electoral Act and PDP guidelines.
According to him, members of the committee encountered security checkpoints around the party secretariat upon arrival in Enugu but were able to proceed with the exercise in collaboration with the state working committee.
“We are satisfied with the process. What our people demonstrated shows that Enugu remains a PDP state, and we are committed to restoring the party’s strength ahead of the election,” he said.
The committee said Nnaji won in all 17 local government areas of the state.
Nnaji Promises Economic Reforms
In his acceptance speech, Nnaji thanked party members for their support and described the primary election as a contest that would shape the future of Enugu State.
“This contest is not merely about politics but about the future of Enugu State and the kind of society we want to build for our children,” he said.
He commended his opponent, Nnamani, for participating in the race, stressing that political competition should not create divisions among party members.
“Politics should never make us enemies. We may differ in approach, but we share the same love for Enugu State,” he said.
The PDP candidate pledged to focus on industrialisation, job creation and economic reforms if elected governor in 2027.
He said many residents were facing economic hardship, with small businesses and workers struggling under current conditions.
“Families are struggling. Small businesses are suffocating. Traders, artisans, transporters, ICT operators, welders, farmers, restaurant owners and many hardworking citizens are under severe pressure,” he said.
Nnaji also promised improved welfare packages and better salaries for primary school teachers across the state.
Criticism of Mbah Administration
The former minister criticised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, accusing it of poor governance and failing to address the needs of residents.
“We will correct the ills in governance in Enugu State. Our people are suffering from the mistakes made three years ago. Enugu governance is built on lies and deceit,” he said.
Nnaji argued that the state must move away from a consumption-driven economy and focus on industrial production and manufacturing.
“Enugu cannot continue to depend mainly on consumption and taxation. We must produce. We must manufacture. We must create jobs,” he said.
He said his administration would harness the state’s natural resources and human capital to establish industries capable of creating thousands of jobs for young people.
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Drawing inspiration from the development policies of former Eastern Region Premier Michael Okpara, Nnaji said visionary leadership could once again transform Enugu into a major economic hub.
“The Okpara era showed us that visionary leadership can transform a state or a region into an economic powerhouse. We can do it again,” he said.
Nnaji also pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected governor in the 2027 election.
Certificate Controversy Forced Nnaji Out of Tinubu’s Cabinet
Allegations that Uche Nnaji submitted forged university and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening surfaced in June 2024 and intensified in October 2025 after reports claimed the credentials could not be authenticated by the relevant institutions.
Nnaji denied wrongdoing and described the claims as politically motivated before resigning as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology on October 7, 2025. No court had found him guilty of forgery as of early 2026.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.