Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections in Enugu State.

Nnaji secured a total of 7,424 votes to defeat his opponent, Samson Nnamani, who polled 600 votes in the primary election conducted across the state’s 17 local government areas.

Announcing the result, the Chairman of the seven-member Enugu State PDP governorship primary committee, Austin Nwachukwu, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and conducted in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

He declared: “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 the committee arrived in Enugu on Sunday morning and initially met a blockade of security vehicles at the party secretariat, which they were told had been deployed from the Government House.

He noted that despite the disruption, the committee proceeded with the exercise in collaboration with the state working committee, observing the process across various local government areas and wards.

“We are satisfied with the process. What our people demonstrated shows that Enugu remains a PDP state, and we are committed to restoring the party’s strength ahead of the election,” he said.

A breakdown of results showed that Nnaji won across all 17 local government areas of the state.

Nwachukwu urged party members to remain united and encouraged aggrieved stakeholders to return to the party to strengthen its chances in the general election.

In his acceptance speech, Nnaji thanked party members for their support and pledged not to take their confidence for granted.

He said his ambition is focused on correcting governance failures and improving the welfare of residents through industrial development and job creation.

Nnaji also criticised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, describing it as a “mistake” and accusing it of “living in lies and deceit.”

“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.

He further promised to serve only a single four-year term if elected, arguing that four years is sufficient for any committed administration to deliver meaningful development and transform the state.