A new round of internal tensions has surfaced within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State, as concerned members have formally petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate alleged impersonation by factional chairman-elect, Augustine Akubue.
The petition, filed through legal counsel T. M. Ozioko of M.J. Teryma and Associates and represented by Chika Idoko, a former ADC senatorial candidate for Enugu North, accuses Akubue of falsely claiming academic credentials, including presenting himself as a professor.
Dated April 21, 2026, the petition—also copied to the National Universities Commission (NUC)—was officially received by the ICPC on April 23. It is titled, “Petition to Investigate Mr Augustine Akubue for False Claim of Professorial Status, Fictitious Inaugural Lecture, and Attempt to Mislead the Public.”
The petitioners alleged that Akubue had consistently portrayed himself as “Professor Augustine Akubue” without holding any recognized academic appointment.
“We are solicitors to the Concerned Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) represented by Comrade Chika Idoko (hereinafter referred to as ‘Our Clients’), on whose instruction we write the petition. Our clients have briefed us, and we verily believe them, as follows:
“That one Mr Augustine Akubue (hereinafter referred to as “the Suspect”) has for some time publicly held himself out as “Professor Augustine Akubue”.
“ That upon diligent inquiry, our clients have verified that the suspect is not a bonafide academic staff member of any recognized university in Nigeria or abroad. He has never been appointed to the rank of professor (or any academic rank whatsoever) by the Governing Council of any tertiary institution.
The petition further claims that the alleged false academic identity was used to enhance credibility and secure political advantage within the party.
Supporting materials cited include a suspension notice from a hometown association of professors, as well as digital evidence such as screenshots and audio-visual recordings in which the suspect allegedly referenced an inaugural lecture to support his claims.
According to the petitioners, the actions may amount to offences under Nigerian law, including impersonation under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Act and forgery under Section 363.
They have therefore asked the ICPC to investigate Akubue’s academic qualifications, invite him for questioning, and collaborate with the NUC to verify his official academic status. The petition also calls for prosecution if the allegations are substantiated.
The development comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC, where multiple factions have laid claim to the party’s national leadership. Figures such as David Mark, Nafiu Gombe, and Dumebi Kachikwu have been linked to competing camps within the party.
The crisis has drawn legal attention, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) previously derecognising one faction, while the Supreme Court recently reserved judgment on the leadership dispute.
