Ex-Tinubu Minister Uche Nnaji Quietly Dumps APC for PDP Amid Certificate Forgery Scandal
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State begin to intensify.
According to a report by PREMIUM TIMES�, the former minister quietly switched political allegiance without publicly announcing either his resignation from the APC or his entry into the PDP.
The report stated that Nnaji’s relationship with the APC became shaky following his resignation as minister in October 2025, just days after an investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES alleged that he forged both his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
Premium Times Nigeria +2
PREMIUM TIMES further reported that Samuel Anyanwu, identified as the national secretary of a PDP faction, confirmed that Nnaji had joined the opposition party. However, the former minister reportedly declined to publicly address the defection, while his spokesperson did not respond to media enquiries seeking clarification.
Premium Times Nigeria
Governorship Ambition Emerges
Despite the lingering controversy surrounding the certificate forgery allegations, Nnaji is reportedly positioning himself for the 2027 Enugu governorship race.
The newspaper reported that the former minister recently inaugurated a political support structure known as the “Uche Ndi Enugu Grassroots Movement,” believed to be part of efforts to mobilise support for his governorship ambition.
Premium Times Nigeria
He was also quoted in earlier reports as promising to serve only one four-year term if elected governor of Enugu State in 2027.
Premium Times Nigeria
ICPC Probe and Forgery Allegations
The authenticity of the allegations against Nnaji has remained a major topic of political discussion in Nigeria.
PREMIUM TIMES had earlier published investigative reports claiming that officials of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka confirmed that Nnaji did not graduate from the institution and was never issued the degree certificate he allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening.
The report also stated that the National Youth Service Corps allegedly disowned the NYSC certificate in his possession.
Additionally, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was reported to have opened an investigation into the matter.
A federal government investigative panel reportedly concluded that the former minister forged his UNN certificate after reviewing university records, graduation lists, and academic documents.
However, there have also been counter-claims from some of Nnaji’s supporters and opinion writers questioning aspects of the allegations and arguing that the matter remains before the courts.
Political Reactions
Nnaji’s reported defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 elections, especially within both the APC and PDP structures in the state.
While neither the APC nor the mainstream PDP leadership in Enugu State has officially reacted to the development at the time of filing this report, political observers believe the move could trigger fresh debates over accountability, eligibility for public office, and the influence of political structures ahead of the next election cycle.
The former minister has yet to issue an official public statement confirming his defection or formally declaring his governorship ambition.
*Source: Reports by PREMIUM TIMES� and other Nigerian media platforms.*
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
