The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has elected former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Nnaji emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary conducted in Enugu on Monday after polling 7,424 votes to defeat fellow aspirant, Samson Nnamani, who secured 600 votes.
The primary election was supervised by Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the PDP State Gubernatorial Committee, who described the exercise as peaceful and orderly.
Nwachukwu said the outcome reflected the strength of the PDP in the state and expressed confidence that the party would retain power in the 2027 governorship election.
In his acceptance speech, Nnaji thanked delegates and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, promising to focus on economic recovery, industrial growth and improved welfare for residents if elected.
He criticised what he described as excessive taxation in the state, alleging that residents and business owners were facing severe economic pressure.
According to him, landlords, hotel operators, traders and commercial motorcyclists have been negatively affected by multiple taxes and levies.
“Our people are suffering. Government policies should uplift the people, not impose hardship on them,” he said.
The former minister pledged to revive industries in the state to create jobs and reduce youth unemployment, insisting that industrialisation remained key to sustainable development.
He also promised to improve living standards and declared that he would spend only one term in office if elected governor.
Nnaji said his administration would prioritise economic expansion, infrastructure development and policies targeted at supporting low-income residents.
His emergence as PDP candidate comes despite the controversy that trailed his exit from the Federal Executive Council.
Nnaji resigned as minister following allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic and National Youth Service Corps certificates.
Investigative reports by PREMIUM TIMES had alleged that the former minister submitted forged certificates during his screening and confirmation process under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The allegations sparked widespread reactions at the time and eventually culminated in his resignation from office.
With his emergence as PDP flagbearer, attention is now expected to shift to the build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
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