Enugu:The G27 support group for Chief Uche Nnaji’s governorship ambition has dismissed claims that his participation in the 2027 Enugu governorship election is intended to secure constitutional immunity and impede his ongoing court case.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the group issued a statement in Enugu, signed by spokesman Chief James Ogbodo, addressing criticism from the ruling party regarding Nnaji’s academic credentials. Ogbodo emphasized that Nnaji’s political ambition is motivated by a desire to tackle economic challenges, unemployment, and inadequate industrial development in Enugu State.
The group stated that the focus of the debate leading up to the 2027 election should be on candidates’ policies, records, and governance capabilities rather than speculating about their intentions. Nnaji’s agenda reportedly includes economic recovery, industrialization, attracting investment, and creating jobs, especially for young people.
Controversy has arisen over questions about the educational qualifications submitted by Governor Peter Mbah to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 and 2027 elections. The group questioned why Mbah allegedly used his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate as his highest qualification for 2027, despite presenting a Law degree and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate in 2023.
The G27 group pointed out that Chief Uche Nnaji contested the 2023 election with the same basic academic credential he is presenting for 2027. They challenged Governor Mbah to explain the discrepancy in his qualifications.
Ogbodo stated that Nnaji’s reliance on his WAEC certificate should not be seen as evidence of wrongdoing, as it is a recognized qualification. The group also addressed the controversy over the authenticity of the NYSC document reportedly presented by Mbah, urging that this matter be resolved through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
The group highlighted the need for scrutiny of candidates’ credentials to be based on verified facts and official records. They argued that Nnaji’s decision to submit his WAEC certificate should not be seen as evidence of wrongdoing.
Additionally, G27 refuted a publication suggesting that Nnaji admitted to never receiving his university degree certificate. They clarified that the court action was related to his university’s alleged failure to release his academic transcript, not an admission of not having a degree certificate. The group called for media organizations to verify claims before publication.
Finally, G27 urged for a fact-based political debate ahead of the 2027 election, focusing on candidates’ policies, qualifications, and governance capabilities, rather than personal attacks and unverified allegations.