Despite forgery probe, ex-minister Uche Nnaji quietly joins PDP ahead of 2027 governorship race

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he positions himself for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.

The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations that he forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

Nnaji, who contested the 2023 Enugu governorship election under the APC, has not publicly announced either his resignation from the ruling party or his defection. However, recent political meetings with PDP members and supporters in the state have fueled speculation about his switch.

Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary of a PDP faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, confirmed that Nnaji has joined the party. Efforts to get a response from Nnaji’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Although it remains unclear whether he has formally obtained PDP nomination forms, sources indicate that the former minister recently launched a support group, “Uche Ndi Enugu Grassroots Movement,” to bolster his 2027 ambition.

Nnaji has also pledged to serve only one term if elected governor, stating that four years would be sufficient to deliver his agenda for the state.

His political moves come despite an ongoing probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged certificate forgery. Investigations previously reported that an education ministry panel found evidence supporting claims that his academic credentials were falsified.

Records from UNN reportedly show that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not graduate and was never issued a degree certificate. Similarly, NYSC authorities have disowned the discharge certificate he presented.

Nnaji resigned as minister in October 2023, shortly after the allegations became public.

Legal experts and public commentators have continued to call for his prosecution, arguing that resignation alone is insufficient if the allegations are proven.