Nnaji Resigns Over Certificate Scandal, Joins INEC List

Nnaji, who resigned as a minister following an investigative report by Premium Times, is now listed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate. The report alleged that he submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the degree certificate he submitted, stating he was admitted in 1981 but never completed his studies or received a degree. In a court affidavit, Nnaji admitted that he never collected a degree certificate from the university.

His name appears as number 13 on the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signed by Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, where he submitted his WAEC results instead of the disputed degree. Nnaji was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on July 1, 2026, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after failing to respond to multiple invitations.

He was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on charges of certificate forgery, abuse of office, and money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N20 million with one surety.