The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, among candidates for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election, despite unresolved controversy over his academic credentials.
Nnaji, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, appeared at number 13 on the list reportedly released by INEC on Saturday night.
His inclusion comes amid allegations that he presented questionable academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials during his ministerial nomination in 2023.
The controversy followed an investigative report that raised questions about the authenticity of his degree certificate and his academic record at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
According to the report, UNN confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete his studies and was not awarded a degree.
The report also cited a court affidavit in which Nnaji allegedly acknowledged that the university had not issued him a degree certificate.
The latest candidate list reportedly indicates that Nnaji submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results rather than the disputed degree certificate.
Nnaji resigned as minister following the controversy surrounding his credentials.
He was also reported to have been arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, 2026.
The commission reportedly said the arrest followed invitations he had allegedly failed to honour.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety.
His appearance on INEC’s governorship candidate list does not, by itself, establish the outcome of the criminal proceedings or resolve the allegations surrounding his qualifications.