In advance of the 2027 election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group that supports Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has given former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Uche Nnaji permission to run in its Enugu State governorship primary.
Nnaji reportedly passed the faction’s governorship screening process, which took place in Abuja on Thursday.
Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State and national chairman of the PDP, presided over the screening committee.
In addition to Nnaji, businessman Samson Nnamani was also vetted and approved to run in Enugu State’s upcoming PDP governorship primary.
Nnaji’s clearance occurs in spite of a purported certificate fabrication issue involving his National Youth Service Corps and degree, according to Premium Times.
Days after news of the controversy surfaced, the former minister resigned from office in October 2025.
Clearing of group defects
Defence for Democracy, a civil society organization, reacted by criticizing the PDP group for Nnaji’s clearance.
Emeka Nwachukwu, the group’s national president, said in a statement that by clearing him, the party ran the risk of hurting its chances in the Enugu governorship election.
The group stated, “The people of Enugu State deserve leaders whose records can withstand public scrutiny without fear or controversy.”
“Therefore, we find it odd that people can transition from controversy to ambition without addressing the questions hanging over their names,” the statement continued.
The organization claimed that the accusation created moral concerns about integrity and public confidence and called on the PDP national leadership to step in.
Additionally, it suggested that Nnaji clear his record before attempting to become governor.
