The newly elected State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State, Prof. Augustine Akubue, has strongly refuted allegations of forgery and conspiracy leveled against him by a group identifying itself as “Concerned ADC Stakeholders.”
In a press statement released on Monday, Prof. Akubue described the claims, spearheaded by Raphael Idoko, as “false, baseless, malicious, and a calculated attempt at political bullying.”
He insisted that the accusations were the handiwork of disgruntled party members who lost out in the recently concluded ADC State Congress.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations reportedly stem from a civil dispute involving a property transaction in Trans‑Ekulu, Enugu.
Prof. Akubue explained that he lawfully purchased the property through a legal practitioner, but questions later arose over an irregular signature.
According to him, the matter was submitted to court for adjudication, where it was determined that he bore no responsibility for any irregularities.
The parties involved subsequently opted for an out‑of‑court settlement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Prof. Akubue emphasized that the authenticity of the MoU was later upheld by a High Court of competent jurisdiction.
The court dismissed attempts to challenge its validity.
Certified records of the settlement and judicial pronouncements, he noted, remain available for verification.
Prof. Akubue’s Response
“Ordinarily, I would not dignify such mischief with a response,” Akubue stated.
“However, for the sake of the unsuspecting public and the integrity of our great party, it has become necessary to set the records straight: I have never been involved in any act of forgery or conspiracy,” he added.
He accused his detractors of attempting to acquire power “through the back door” after failing at the ballot box.
He urged Raphael Idoko and his associates to desist from acts of defamation and political brigandage, and instead work with the duly elected leadership to strengthen the ADC in Enugu State.
“I remain committed to the rule of law, due process, and the democratic ideals upon which our party is founded,” he concluded.
Party Context
The ADC recently held its State Congress in Enugu, which Prof. Akubue described as free and fair.
His emergence as State Chairman Elect has been contested by some stakeholders, leading to heightened tensions within the party.
Political observers note that internal disputes are not uncommon in Nigerian party politics, particularly following congresses and primaries.
Analysts suggest that the ADC leadership in Enugu will need to prioritize reconciliation to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Augustine Akubue’s categorical denial of forgery and conspiracy charges underscores the deepening divisions within the ADC’s Enugu State chapter.
While he insists the allegations are politically motivated, the episode highlights the challenges of party cohesion in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
For now, Akubue has called on party members to put aside distractions and focus on building a “strong, united, and victorious ADC” in Enugu State.
