Minister Who Resigned Over Degree Certificate Scandal Makes INEC List, Tenders WAEC Result

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared Geoffrey Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.

Nnaji had resigned amid Premium Times investigative report which alleged that Nnaji submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.

The report claimed that the UNN disowned the degree certificate submitted by Nnaji, stating that although he was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

The investigation also revealed that in a court affidavit, Nnaji admitted that the university never issued him a degree certificate and that he had “never collected one.”

Nnaji’s name is number 13 on the list released by the commission, on Saturday night.

According to the list signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC Secretary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate omitted the controversial degree, tendering his WAEC results.

The Independent Corrupt Practises and other offences related Commission (ICPC) had arrested Nnaji at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, 2026.

According to the Commission, the arrest followed multiple invitations that were not honoured by the politician.

He was later arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety.

(Daily trust)