Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election in Enugu State amid lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery.
Nnaji secured a landslide victory during the party’s primary election held in Enugu on Monday, polling 7,424 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Samson Nnamani, who garnered 600 votes.
The primary election was conducted by the Chairman of the PDP State Gubernatorial Committee, Mr Austin Nwachukwu, who commended party members for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise.
Speaking after his victory, Nnaji dedicated the win to God and the people of Enugu State, whom he claimed had suffered under excessive taxation in the last three years.
According to him, landlords, hotel operators, commercial motorcyclists and petty traders have been subjected to multiple taxes that have worsened their economic conditions.
He promised to prioritise industrialisation, job creation and social welfare if elected governor in 2027.
“The struggle is to recover and rebuild Enugu State. We must industrialise the state to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness,” he said.
Nnaji also pledged to serve only one term if elected and promised to improve the living conditions of residents within four years.
However, his emergence has continued to attract criticism following past allegations that forced him to resign as minister under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Daily Trust reports that Nnaji stepped down after allegations of certificate forgery surfaced against him.
An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES had alleged that the former minister submitted forged degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to President Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening and confirmation process.
Despite the controversy, the PDP leadership in the state expressed confidence that the party remains strong ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
