The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Geoffrey Nnaji as a candidate for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election despite the certificate forgery allegations that preceded his resignation from the Federal Government.
Nnaji, listed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, appears at number 13 on the list released by INEC on Saturday night.
The list, signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, indicates that Nnaji submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results without the disputed degree certificate at the centre of the allegations against him.
The controversy emerged after an investigative report by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial nomination process in 2023. He subsequently resigned as minister.
Nnaji was later arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on July 1, 2026, upon his arrival in Nigeria. He was reportedly detained by operatives of the Department of State Services before being handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N20 million, with one surety.
His appearance on INEC’s candidate list comes as the legal case over the allegations remains a significant part of the controversy surrounding his political career.
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