Politics
2027: INEC Lists Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji for Enugu Governorship Poll Amid Certificate Allegations
Nnaji appears on INEC’s final candidate list as the PDP’s Enugu governorship candidate, while his criminal case over alleged certificate forgery remains pending.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 Enugu State governorship election, despite an ongoing criminal case over alleged certificate forgery.
Nnaji is listed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the election, according to the final list published by INEC on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
His inclusion comes amid controversy over his academic credentials, following an investigative report by Premium Times alleging that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, did not award him the degree certificate he had presented during his ministerial nomination process.
The controversy led to Nnaji’s resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025.
Nnaji Submits WAEC Result Instead of Disputed Degree
According to reports on INEC’s candidate list, Nnaji submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result without including the university degree certificate at the centre of the controversy.
The listing comes as the former minister faces criminal charges relating to alleged certificate forgery and money laundering, alongside other allegations connected to his previous public office.
Nnaji has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the case has not been finally determined.
INEC Listing Does Not Resolve Pending Case
Nnaji’s appearance on the final list means he is included among the candidates listed to contest the Enugu governorship election under the PDP platform.
However, INEC’s publication of the list does not determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings or resolve the questions surrounding the disputed academic credentials.
The development also comes amid wider scrutiny of the qualifications and documentation submitted by candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nnaji will be seeking to become governor of Enugu State, where incumbent Governor Peter Mbah is also listed as a candidate, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Enugu governorship election is scheduled for February 6, 2027.