File Photo: Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general election.

Nnaji secured 7,424 votes to defeat Mr. Samson Nnamani, who polled 600 votes in the governorship primary conducted in Enugu by the Chairman of the State Gubernatorial Electoral Committee, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Nnaji thanked members of the party for entrusting him with the mandate and pledged not to take their confidence for granted.

He promised to improve the welfare of residents of Enugu State and reduce what he described as excessive taxation on citizens and businesses.

“I give this victory to the glory of God and to our Enugu people, who have been oppressed in the last three years and overburdened with excessive and obnoxious taxes.

“Landlords are paying heavily, hoteliers are crying, commercial motorcyclists are disappearing, and even people carrying water on their heads are being taxed.

“These are the people government should be supporting. Government should create opportunities and provide relief for the less privileged.

“That is the fulcrum of this struggle — the struggle to recover Enugu State, rebuild Enugu State, and industrialise Enugu State so we can address youth restiveness.

“We will establish industries that will create jobs for our people. Dr. Jim Nwobodo remains the only governor in the state who built industries, and those industries are now being appropriated by the current administration.

“That will not continue in Enugu State,” he said.

Chief Nnaji also reiterated his commitment to improving living conditions in the state within four years, stressing that he would serve only one term in office if elected governor.

Earlier, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, commended party members for their orderly conduct before, during, and after the primary election.

Nwachukwu said the outcome of the exercise demonstrated that the PDP remained strong and well-positioned for victory in Enugu State in the 2027 governorship election.