The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election.
Nnaji’s name appears at number 13 on the list released Saturday night and signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The commission noted that he submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results but excluded the controversial degree certificate at the center of forgery allegations.
His clearance comes amid lingering controversy over his resignation as minister following a 2023 investigative report alleging he presented forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his nomination process.
Nnaji was arrested on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and later handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of certificate forgery, abuse of office, and money laundering.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of ₦20 million with one surety.