Nnaji's Corruption Trial Threatens Enugu PDP's 2027 Goals

Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Science and Technology, is currently undergoing trial on six counts of corruption, including forgery and money laundering, which poses a significant threat to the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) ambitions for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State. Nnaji has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were outlined in a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026).

He was granted bail set at 20 million naira. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alleges that Nnaji submitted forged documents, including a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during the 2023 ministerial screening.

The ICPC claims he fraudulently received 29.58 million naira in salary and allowances, which conferred corrupt advantages upon him. Nnaji resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's cabinet in October 2025 following these allegations.

Civil society groups have expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the PDP and the potential impact on their candidate's credibility in the upcoming elections.