Paul Chukwuma, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2025 Anambra State elections, has dismissed allegations of $378,000 money laundering leveled against him. The allegations surfaced in an online report claiming that the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the forfeiture of the sum and a Mercedes Benz Maybach allegedly linked to him.
The court decision, reportedly made by Justice Emeka Nwite, was based on a motion ex-parte presented by counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Akponimisingha. The funds and vehicle were purportedly described as proceeds of unlawful activities.
Chukwuma’s Reaction
Speaking to journalists at his Umueri country home in Anambra East Local Government Area on Thursday, Chukwuma strongly refuted the allegations. He described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, accusing his opponents of trying to derail his governorship ambitions.
“The money in question was legitimately earned by my company through a Federal Government contract,” Chukwuma asserted. “This is just an attempt by political detractors to intimidate me and derail my ambition to serve as the governor of Anambra.”
Details of the Alleged Funds
Chukwuma explained that the money resides in the account of his company, Fides Et Ratio Academy Limited, and was part of a legitimate project awarded by the Federal Government. The project involved training related to Intellectual Property Rights, with meetings held in collaboration with TETFund to benefit Nigerian students.
“All the documents related to the contract are in the custody of the ICPC,” he said. “The facts should speak for themselves. I don’t believe the report is from ICPC; it is simply a tactic by political opponents who know I am the candidate to beat.”
Blaming Political Opponents
Chukwuma alleged that his political rivals are using government instruments to intimidate him, as they see him as a formidable contender for the governorship. “People should contest elections fairly instead of resorting to such tactics,” he remarked.
He reiterated his commitment to winning the APC ticket and the governorship race, promising to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Anambra if elected.
Defending His Record
Chukwuma maintained his innocence and integrity, highlighting his transparency in financial dealings and tax compliance. “I pay my taxes and have nothing to hide,” he stated. “My image cannot be tarnished, and I will not allow unpatriotic elements to intimidate me.”
Strengthening APC in the South-East
Chukwuma also underscored his efforts to strengthen the APC in the South-East, asserting that the party has become a formidable force in the region due to his contributions. “Through the good work we have done, APC has become very formidable in the South-East, and I have personally taken it upon myself to ensure APC is the party to beat,” he added.
Conclusion
As the Anambra governorship race intensifies, Chukwuma’s denial of the allegations and his focus on the upcoming election reflect the political undercurrents at play. While investigations by the ICPC may continue, Chukwuma has vowed to press on with his campaign, confident in his ability to secure both his party’s ticket and victory in the governorship election.
