Fresh Crisis Rocks Enugu ADC, As Nwodo Is Accused Of Imposing A Factional Chairman Akubue, Whose Alleged False Claim Of Professorial Status Petition Is Before ICPC

…Akubue is also allegedly facing a forgery and imposition charges in court filled by Police

The Enugu chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is currently engulfed in a crisis  over allegations that former governor Okwesilieze Nwodo is attempting to impose a preferred candidate, Augustine Akubue, on the party’s state leadership structure despite strong resistance from stakeholders.

A chieftain of ADC in Enugu State, Comrade Chika Idoko, made this revelation to newsmen during a function, where he openly challenged what he described as efforts to hijack the party for personal and political interests.

Idoko, who is also a former ADC Senatorial Candidate for Enugu North Zone in 2023, described the alleged imposition move as a desperate attempt to compromise the credibility of the party and frustrate the will of genuine party stakeholders.

According to him, Augustine Akubue—said to be Nwodo’s preferred candidate—is currently facing a formal petition before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations involving false claims of professorial status, an alleged fictitious inaugural lecture, and conduct capable of misleading the public.

He argued that the allegations raise serious integrity concerns and questioned how a party seeking public trust and credibility could be led by someone facing accusations bordering on impersonation and forgery.

Idoko further accused Nwodo of disregarding due process and the collective will of Enugu ADC stakeholders by allegedly pushing what he described as a selfish political agenda rather than acting in the party’s interest. He also alleged that external political influences linked to the APC were being masked under the political influence of Peter Obi.

He stressed that Major General Chris Owushi Eze (Rtd), widely described as the June 12 unsung hero and the legitimate chairman of ADC in Enugu State, emerged through the just concluded State Congress conducted in line with party procedures and democratic principles.

According to Idoko, Chris Eze earned his mandate through performance, trust, tested leadership, and strong grassroots support, unlike what he described as an imposed candidate struggling with credibility issues.

A warning was directed at the ADC National Organizing Secretary, the National Working Committee, and party leadership, cautioning against any attempt to legitimize what was described as an imposed leadership arrangement.

He maintained that the Enugu ADC had already spoken through a legitimate internal process and that the choice of Major General Chris Eze reflects the true will of party members across the state.

Supporters of Chris Eze insist that ADC, as an opposition platform, must stand for transparency, internal democracy, and credibility rather than political imposition and controversy.

As tensions continue to rise within the party, many members insist that “Enugu ADC is not for sale,” while awaiting the response of the national leadership on the growing internal crisis.

More so, a court document is indicating that the party’s state factional chairman, Prof Augustine Akubue, has faced forgery charges.

According to a certified true copy of a charge sheet obtained on Monday, Akubue is being prosecuted before an Enugu Magistrate Court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and forgery.

The case, filed by the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, lists Akubue as the defendant in a matter dated 2013.

The document, marked “CME/25/2023” and signed by a Superintendent of Police, alleges that Akubue conspired with another individual currently at large to forge a memorandum of understanding dated September 6, 2013.

It read: “That you Professor Augustine Akubue, Male of No.1 Asaba lane, Asata Enugu and another at large on or about 6th September 2013 at plot 6/14 No. 4 Dhamijah Street, Trans Ekulu Housing Estate, Phase 4 Enugu town in the Enugu Magisterial District, did conspire within yourselves to commit the offence of forgery; you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 496 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Vol.II Revised laws of Enugu State Nigeria 2004.

“Count II: That you Professor Augustine Akubue, Male of No.1 Asaba lane, Asata Enugu and another at large on the said date, place and in the aforesaid magisterial district, did commit the offence of Forgery, in that you forged memorandum of understanding dated 6th September 2013. You hereby committed an offence punishable under Section 443 of the Criminal Code Cap 30, Vol. II Revised laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”

The charges were brought under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Enugu State, which prescribe penalties for forgery offences.

Forgery is classified as a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law, with penalties that may include imprisonment upon conviction.

The development has triggered tensions within the party, with some stakeholders raising concerns about Akubue’s eligibility to hold office.

They alleged that the existence of an ongoing criminal case was not disclosed during the party’s internal processes, where aspirants were required to declare any pending legal matters.