Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, will return to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, September 21, as his trial over alleged certificate forgery and corruption resumes.
The development has renewed calls by a civil society organisation, Defence for Democracy, for the former minister to reconsider his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation warned that allowing a candidate facing unresolved allegations bordering on integrity to proceed with a major electoral campaign could expose the candidate and his party to avoidable political and legal challenges.
The Federal High Court had adjourned the case until September 21, 2026.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, filed a six-count charge against Nnaji, including allegations of forging a University of Nigeria, Nsukka, degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
The charges also include alleged abuse of office and the unlawful collection of about N29.5 million in salaries.
Nnaji, 63, who served as minister from August 2023 until his resignation in October 2025 amid scrutiny over his academic credentials, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was subsequently granted bail by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in the sum of N20 million, with a Grade Level 15 federal civil servant required as surety. He was also ordered to submit his travel documents.
But ahead of Monday’s proceedings, Defence for Democracy renewed its call on Nnaji to withdraw from the political contest, arguing that the ongoing case could become an issue for his supporters during the 2027 campaign.
In a statement, the National President of the organisation, Dr Emeka Nwachukwu, said it was unfortunate that while political parties and candidates were already preparing for the 2027 elections, Nnaji remained embroiled in litigation over allegations concerning his credentials and conduct.
Nwachukwu said personal political ambition should not override what he described as the wider interest of the party and the people of Enugu State.
«“Politics and public office should be about the people, but what we see is the desperation and personal ambition of Nnaji at the detriment of millions of PDP supporters,” he said.»
The group further argued that the unresolved case could become a major campaign issue if Nnaji proceeds with his candidacy, particularly if his opponents seek to use the allegations to challenge his political standing.
It warned that any legal challenge arising from the case could create additional uncertainty for the party if Nnaji eventually emerges victorious at the polls.
“Leadership must be built on trust, integrity and credibility. The people of Enugu State deserve leaders whose records can withstand public scrutiny without fear or controversy,” Nwachukwu said.
The organisation said Enugu State had many potential leaders with grassroots connections and urged the party to consider substituting Nnaji while there was still time.
“We believe firmly that Enugu deserves honest leadership, grassroots connection and a leader who understands the pains of the people, and there are many such people. It is not late,” the group said.
Defence for Democracy maintained that an early withdrawal or substitution of Nnaji would, in its view, be in the broader interest of the party and its supporters in the state.
Nnaji has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.