The party further alleged that Nnaji is leading a group in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, soliciting funds under the pretext of representing the ADC.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Enugu State Chapter, has raised the alarm over a “fraudulent fundraising syndicate” allegedly operating in the party’s name across the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Enugu State Publicity Secretary, Hon. David C. Ani, the party accused a former Minister of Power, Bartholomew Nnaji, and a Labour Party chieftain, John Nwokeabia, of falsely presenting themselves as leaders of ADC in Enugu State and soliciting funds from unsuspecting members of the public.
Ani stated that Nwokeabia, who he said was the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Enugu governorship election, has allegedly been “parading himself as a leader of the ADC in Enugu West Senatorial Zone” despite not being a registered member of the party.
“We categorically state that Chief John Nwokeabia is not a registered member of ADC Enugu State Chapter and has no authority whatsoever to act, speak, or raise funds on behalf of the party,” Ani stated.
The party further alleged that Nnaji is leading a group in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, soliciting funds under the pretext of representing the ADC.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Professor Barthromew Nnaji and his associates are not recognized members of ADC Enugu State and are not authorised to collect funds or transact any business on behalf of the party,” the statement added.
ADC warned that individuals or organizations donating funds to the accused persons would be doing so “at their own risk.”
The party also claimed that intelligence available to its leadership suggests the fundraising activities may be connected to political actors who recently defected from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to ADC, the alleged scheme is part of a broader strategy to “sow confusion, mislead supporters, and weaken the rising profile of the party in Enugu State.”
While no documentary evidence accompanied the statement, the party maintained that the allegations were based on “credible reports” and internal intelligence.
ADC stressed that it operates only one official bank account for legitimate financial transactions and urged the public to verify any fundraising efforts through the Office of the State Chairman, Comrade Stella Chukwuma, or the Office of the State Publicity Secretary before making donations.
The party also called on security agencies to investigate the matter and safeguard residents against potential fraud.
“We urge security agencies to take note of these fraudulent activities and take appropriate steps to protect innocent citizens from being defrauded,” the statement said.
“We are undeterred in our resolve to offer Ndi Enugu a viable alternative and to take over the governance of Enugu State through democratic means,” the party declared.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Nnaji nor Nwokeabia had issued a public response to the allegations.