- Ex Tinubu Minister Uche Nnaji Leaves APC, Joins PDP
- PDP confirmed membership though Nnaji made no official announcement
- Former minister faces probe over alleged certificate forgery
A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Enugu State.
Nnaji, who contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu on the platform of the APC, has recently been seen holding meetings with supporters and PDP members across the state, fuelling reports of his political switch.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the former minister has not publicly announced his resignation from the APC or formally confirmed his defection to the PDP.
The National Secretary of a PDP faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed that Nnaji had joined the party.
Anyanwu said he could not verify whether Nnaji had obtained the PDP expression of interest and nomination forms for the Enugu governorship primary, adding that he could only confirm his membership of the party.
Efforts to get a response from Nnaji’s spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages seeking clarification were not answered.
Reports also indicated that Nnaji recently launched the Uche Ndi Enugu Grassroots Movement, a support group aimed at mobilising backing for his 2027 governorship ambition.
The former minister had earlier pledged to serve only one term if elected governor.
He said, “I want to state this clearly and without any ambiguity; I will serve only one term of four years if elected governor in 2027.”
Nnaji argued that a single term would be sufficient to implement his plans and reposition Enugu State.
His reported defection comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of certificate forgery involving his degree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and his National Youth Service Corps certificate.
He resigned as minister in October, days after an investigation report alleged that he forged both certificates.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is currently probing the allegations, with reports indicating that he could face prosecution if wrongdoing is established.
An investigative panel set up by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, was also reported to have found evidence suggesting that the certificates were forged.
