Fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State following 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.
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 made its choice through what he called a legitimate internal process, endorsing retired Major General Chris Owushi Eze as the preferred leader. Chris Eze was described as a man of integrity, tested leadership, and grassroots support, unlike what Idoko termed a controversial and credibility-deficient alternative.
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.
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.
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.
