Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has appeared on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of candidates for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election, months after resigning from the Federal Executive Council amid a controversy over his academic credentials.
Nnaji, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, was listed as number 13 on the final list released by INEC on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
According to reports, the former minister submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result among his academic credentials, rather than the university degree certificate that was at the centre of the controversy that led to his resignation.
The controversy began in October 2025 after an investigation by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji presented forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.
The report said the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was not awarded a degree. A Federal Government investigative panel later reported findings that aligned with the allegations.
Nnaji resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025 following the controversy. At the time, he maintained that his resignation was a personal decision and not an admission of guilt, accusing his critics of pursuing a politically motivated campaign against him.
The former minister is also facing criminal charges relating to alleged certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to the charges when he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in July 2026 and was granted bail.
His inclusion on INEC’s list comes ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, where he is expected to challenge incumbent Governor Peter Mbah.