The race for Enugu State governorship in 2027 has intensified after PDP elders, stakeholders, and the Concerned Enugu Leaders group endorsed Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani as the “only authentic governorship candidate” of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
The endorsement, announced in a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Boniface Chukwuma, came alongside sharp criticism of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.
Stakeholders accused Nnaji of leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC, to “contaminate” the PDP, amid an arrest warrant issued against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, granted ICPC’s ex parte motion in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, authorising Nnaji’s arrest over allegations of certificate forgery and failure to honour investigative invitations.
The commission is also seeking approval to declare him wanted in national newspapers, online platforms, and other media, and to empower security operatives to effect the arrest.
Nnaji was appointed minister in August 2023 by President Bola Tinubu but later resigned following allegations of forging academic and NYSC credentials submitted during his ministerial screening. ICPC said his repeated refusal to honour invitations necessitated the court order.
The Concerned Enugu Leaders congratulated Nnamani on his emergence as the legitimate PDP flagbearer, saying it reflects “the democratic will of party members across Enugu State.” They argued that recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction and the outcome of the PDP governorship primary have reinforced Nnamani’s standing.
They cited the primary allegedly supervised by INEC, with the election panel from Abuja, and said Nnamani’s insistence that he remains the duly elected candidate aligns with legal and internal party processes.
According to the group, Nnamani polled 7,542 votes to defeat Nnaji, who scored 121 votes, with a total of 7,663 accredited votes recorded. PDP Returning Officer, High Chief Wisdom Okoye, declared the exercise transparent and consistent with the party constitution and NWC guidelines.
While acknowledging other aspirants including Nnaji and Dona Nwogbo, the elders urged PDP members to close ranks and avoid internal divisions that could weaken the party’s chances in 2027.
They described Nnamani as a bridge-builder with administrative competence, political maturity, and a progressive vision for Enugu State. His profile, they added, reflects integrity, inclusiveness, economic growth, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
“The time has come for all lovers of Enugu State to rally behind a leader with a clear vision,” the group stated, expressing optimism that Nnamani’s candidacy would usher in unity and strengthen PDP’s electoral prospects.
Chief Chukwuma called on residents to support democratic processes and remain committed to peace and stability as the governorship race gathers momentum.
Nnaji has not publicly responded to the latest ICPC action at press time.
