Fresh concerns have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances in the 2027 Enugu State governorship election as the criminal trial of its governorship candidate, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, gathers momentum.
With political parties moving to finalize and submit candidates for the 2027 governorship and state assembly elections, party loyalists and civil society groups fear the legal cloud hanging over Nnaji could become a major electoral liability.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the former minister before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and abuse of office.
Although Nnaji pleaded not guilty and secured bail in the sum of ₦20 million, the trial has intensified debate over whether the PDP is taking an avoidable political gamble.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he allegedly presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-corruption agency also accused him of fraudulently receiving about ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister, thereby conferring corrupt advantage on himself.
Nnaji resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025 as the allegations continued to generate public attention. The court has fixed September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case has fuelled concerns among political observers, who warn that the PDP may be entering the 2027 contest with a candidate whose legal troubles could overshadow its campaign and provide the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with a potent campaign issue.
Civil society organisations have also cautioned that the party should not ignore the legal implications of the trial, noting that prolonged litigation could complicate any electoral victory.
Analysts have drawn parallels with the Bayelsa governorship saga in which the Supreme Court nullified the election of APC candidate David Lyon on the eve of his inauguration because of issues relating to his running mate’s credentials.
The Defence for Democracy is among the groups urging caution.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Emeka Nwachukwu, the group said opposition parties must uphold higher ethical standards by presenting candidates whose integrity is beyond question.
“Opposition parties have a duty to field candidates with clean records. The risk the PDP is taking in Enugu is unnecessary, and it should learn from what happened in Bayelsa,” the statement said.
As the legal proceedings unfold, political observers say the outcome of the trial could significantly influence both the PDP’s campaign strategy and the broader dynamics of the 2027 governorship race in Enugu State.