Immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nnaji 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.
The result was announced in Enugu by Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the seven-member primary election committee.
“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 in compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
Nwachukwu, however, disclosed that the committee encountered security blockades at the party secretariat upon arrival but proceeded with the exercise alongside the state working committee.
According to him, Nnaji won in all 17 local government areas.
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Nnaji had served as minister after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023 before resigning following allegations surrounding his academic and National Youth Service Corps credentials.
In his acceptance speech, the former minister described the election as a defining moment 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.
He also commended his opponent, Samson Nnamani, describing him as “a respected son of Enugu state.”
Nnaji pledged to prioritise industrialisation, job creation and economic reforms if elected governor.
He said: “Families are struggling. Small businesses are suffocating. Traders, artisans, transporters, ICT operators, welders, farmers, restaurant owners, and many hardworking citizens are under severe pressure.”
The PDP candidate further promised improved welfare packages and salary conditions for primary school teachers.
He criticised the administration of Peter Mbah, 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,” he said.
Nnaji advocated a shift from what he described as 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 stated.
Referencing former Eastern Region Premier Michael Okpara, Nnaji said visionary leadership could reposition Enugu as an economic powerhouse and also pledged to serve only one term if elected in 2027.
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