INEC Clears Ex-Minister Geoffrey Nnaji for 2027 Enugu Guber Race as Campaign Organisation Clarifies Deputy-Governor Discrepancy

Political activities for the 2027 general elections in Enugu State reached a critical milestone following the release of the final list of governorship candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Appearing at number 13 on the electoral body's schedule, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Nwakaibie), has been officially cleared as the standard-bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), drawing intense public attention amid preceding national controversies.

​However, following the publication, the Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji Campaign Organisation issued a prompt press release to correct an administrative carry-over on the electoral commission's sheet regarding the ticket's running mate. While the published list erroneously retained  Chief Ugwu Chijioke Peter as the deputy-governorship candidate, the campaign clarified that Dr. Ngwu had formally and voluntarily resigned his nomination on September 15, 2026, in strict compliance with the Electoral Act.

​According to the campaign directorate, Chief Ugwu Chijioke Peter was duly nominated and submitted as the replacement running mate on September 17, 2026—comfortably ahead of INEC’s September 19 deadline. The PDP has since been formally notified to ensure that the electoral commission reflects the correct substitution.

​Dismissing attempts by political opponents to exploit the glitch by claiming a zonal imbalance, the campaign organisation assured party members and stakeholders—particularly in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone—that the Nnaji–Ugwu ticket remains fully intact, balanced, and focused. Supporters have been urged to remain calm and undistracted by administrative discrepancies as the collective mission to rebuild and industrialize Enugu State moves forward.