ICPC to Arraign PDP Governorship Candidate

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday over allegations that he submitted forged academic and official credentials.

According to reports, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) began investigating Nnaji after documents said to show forged certificates came to light. The investigation reportedly gained further attention after the HEDA Resource Centre, an anti-corruption organisation, submitted a petition urging the commission to look into the matter.

The allegations against Nnaji first gained public attention in 2023 when reports claimed that his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate was not genuine. The reports also questioned the authenticity of his bachelor’s degree certificate, alleging that it contained several irregularities.

The certificate controversy eventually led to Nnaji’s resignation as Minister of Science and Technology in 2025.

Despite stepping down from office, Nnaji later entered the race for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He obtained the party’s nomination form and later emerged as its governorship candidate.

Reports further stated that ICPC operatives arrested Nnaji at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on July 1 after he allegedly failed to honour earlier invitations from the commission for questioning.

Sources familiar with the case claimed that the anti-graft agency has completed its investigation and filed criminal charges before Justice Abdulmalik Joyce of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charges are said to include allegations that Nnaji submitted forged credentials during his ministerial screening before the National Assembly, along with other offences linked to corruption. Reports also claimed that investigators believe they have gathered strong evidence to support the case ahead of his arraignment.