Uche Nnaji, the immediate past minister of innovation, science, and technology, has been emerged governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu for the 2027 general election.
Nnaji resigned as minister following allegations that he
forged the academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials
submitted during his ministerial screening and confirmation process.
He secured 7,424 votes to defeat Samson Nnamani, who polled
600 votes in the primary election conducted across the 17 local government
areas of the state.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Nnaji as minister in August
2023 and accepted his resignation in the wake of the certificate saga.
Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the seven-member primary
election committee, announced the result on Saturday in Enugu.
“By the powers conferred on me as chairman of the primary
election committee, I hereby declare Uche Nnaji as winner of the governorship
primary, having secured the highest number of votes,” Nwachukwu said.
He described the exercise as peaceful and conducted in line
with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
Nwachukwu said the committee encountered security blockades
at the party secretariat on arrival in Enugu but proceeded with the exercise
alongside the state working committee.
“We are satisfied with the process. What our people
demonstrated shows that Enugu remains a PDP state, and we are committed to
restoring the party’s strength ahead of the election,” he said.
According to the committee, Nnaji won across all 17 local
government areas of the state.
‘ENUGU GOVERNANCE BUILT ON LIES’
In his acceptance speech, Nnaji thanked party members for
their support and described the election as a battle for the future of Enugu
state.
“This contest is not merely about politics but about the
future of Enugu state and the kind of society we want to build for our
children,” he said.
Nnaji praised Nnamani, describing him as “a respected son of
Enugu state”.
“Politics should never make us enemies. We may differ in
approach, but we share the same love for Enugu state,” he said.
The former minister said his administration would focus on
industrialisation, job creation, and economic reforms if elected governor.
“Families are struggling. Small businesses are suffocating.
Traders, artisans, transporters, ICT operators, welders, farmers, restaurant
owners, and many hardworking citizens are under severe pressure,” he said.
Nnaji also promised to improve the welfare and salaries of
primary school teachers across the state.
He criticised the administration of Peter Mbah, Enugu
governor, accusing it of poor governance.
“We will correct the ills in governance in Enugu state. Our
people are suffering from the mistakes made three years ago. Enugu governance
is built on lies and deceit.”
Nnaji said Enugu must shift from a consumption-driven
economy to industrial production.
“Enugu cannot continue to depend mainly on consumption and
taxation. We must produce. We must manufacture. We must create jobs,” he said.
He pledged to harness the state’s natural resources and
human capital to build industries capable of employing thousands of young
people.
Referencing Michael Okpara, Nnaji said visionary leadership
could transform Enugu into an economic hub again.
“The Okpara era showed us that visionary leadership can
transform a state or a region into an economic powerhouse. We can do it again,”
he said.
Nnaji also promised to serve only one four-year term if
elected governor in 2027.
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