Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly moved “quietly” from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he positions himself for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election, even as he remains under investigation over alleged certificate forgery.
Mr Nnaji, who previously contested the 2023 Enugu governorship election under the APC, is said to have been holding political engagements with PDP members and supporters in recent weeks without any formal public announcement of his defection.
His political realignment comes months after he resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in October, days after a media investigation raised questions about the authenticity of his academic and NYSC certificates.
Following his resignation, attention has remained on ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is probing allegations that he forged documents used during his ministerial screening.
Despite the controversy, sources say Mr Nnaji has now aligned with the PDP and is quietly building support structures ahead of the next election cycle in Enugu State.
The National Secretary of the PDP faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed that the former minister has joined the party, although he declined to clarify whether Mr Nnaji has officially obtained nomination forms for the governorship race.
Meanwhile, Mr Nnaji has reportedly launched a political support group, Uche Ndi Enugu Grassroots Movement, to mobilise backing for his 2027 ambition. He is also said to have been engaging stakeholders across the state while outlining his vision for Enugu if elected governor.
In earlier public remarks, the former minister declared that he would serve only one term of four years if elected, insisting that he could achieve significant reforms within that period.
However, his political ambitions continue to unfold against the backdrop of legal and administrative scrutiny. Investigations by anti-corruption agencies and education authorities are ongoing over allegations that he presented forged university and NYSC certificates during his confirmation process in 2023.
Reports indicate that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the National Youth Service Corps have denied issuing the certificates attributed to him, further intensifying public debate around the matter.
While Mr Nnaji has previously challenged aspects of the investigation in court, including attempts to restrict access to his academic records, the controversy has persisted even after his exit from office.
As political realignments gather pace ahead of 2027, his reported move to the PDP has added another layer of intrigue to Enugu State’s emerging governorship contest, raising questions about accountability, party loyalty, and the influence of unresolved allegations on electoral ambitions.
