The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, as a candidate for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election.

Nnaji, who is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appears at number 13 on the final list released by the commission on Saturday night.

The list, signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, indicates that Nnaji submitted his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results without including the controversial degree certificate linked to allegations against him.

His inclusion comes amid allegations of certificate forgery that preceded his resignation as minister.

Nnaji resigned after an investigative report by Premium Times alleged that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.

The former minister was subsequently arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, upon his arrival in Nigeria.

He was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) before being handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Nnaji was later arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety.