Forgery allegations erupt after PDP clears former Tinubu minister

By Luminous Jannamike

A civil society organisation, Defence for Democracy, has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allowing former Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji to run in the upcoming Enugu State governorship primaries, despite ongoing allegations about his academic credentials.

The group warned that the PDP could face a significant political and legal crisis if Nnaji becomes the party’s candidate and the credential controversy is brought before a court.

In a statement issued by the organisation’s National President, Dr. Emeka Nwachukwu, the group questioned the credibility of the PDP’s vetting process and accused the party of ignoring serious integrity concerns surrounding the former minister.

Defence for Democracy said that Nnaji, who recently resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, is still under investigation for alleged forged credentials.

“We therefore find it strange that people can move from controversy to ambition without addressing the questions hanging over their names,” the statement read.

The organisation added that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could use the allegations to push for expedited court proceedings that might overturn any victory secured by Nnaji.

“Because we are all in this country, and we know that in an event that this former minister wins, there will be an accelerated hearing that will hand over that victory to the APC,” the statement continued.

Defence for Democracy argued that leadership must be based on trust, integrity, and credibility, insisting that Enugu’s citizens deserve leaders whose records can withstand public scrutiny without controversy.

“We believe firmly that Enugu deserves honest leadership, grassroots connection, and a leader who understands the pains of the people, and there are many such people,” the organisation said.

It also urged Nnaji to clear his name before pursuing his governorship ambitions, describing the allegations and public reports about his credentials as too serious to ignore.

Furthermore, the group called on the PDP national leadership to intervene before the issue becomes an avoidable embarrassment for the party.

“We are watching events in Enugu and other parts of the country, and we would have issued this statement to congratulate the Enugu State chapter of the party if it screened out the former minister, because there is a moral burden there which is far beyond what the courts might eventually pronounce,” the statement added.

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