By Gabriel Ameh
A civil society organisation, the Defence for Democracy, has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for clearing former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, to participate in the party’s governorship primaries in Enugu State despite ongoing allegations surrounding his academic credentials.
The group alleged that the former minister, who reportedly resigned from the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid claims of certificate forgery, is currently under investigation by relevant authorities.
In a statement signed by the National President of the organisation, Dr. Emeka Nwachukwu, the group questioned the credibility of the PDP screening process and accused the party of exposing itself to potential legal and political setbacks ahead of the governorship election.
According to the organisation, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party risks handing political advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress if the allegations against the former minister are not properly addressed before the election.
The group warned that any eventual victory secured by Nnaji at the polls could face legal challenges capable of overturning the mandate should the forgery allegations gain traction in court.
“Leadership must be built on trust, integrity and credibility. The people of Enugu State deserve leaders whose records can withstand public scrutiny without controversy,” the statement read.
The organisation maintained that although the allegations against the former minister have not been proven by any court, the PDP has a moral obligation to thoroughly examine the concerns before allowing him to continue in the race.
It added that Enugu State deserves leaders with integrity, grassroots connection and a clear understanding of the challenges facing the people.
The group further called on the PDP National Secretariat to intervene in the matter to avoid what it described as a potential embarrassment for the party ahead of the governorship contest.
The organisation also urged Nnaji to clear his name over the allegations surrounding his academic credentials before pursuing his governorship ambition.
