Today, Chigozie Onyema said he was proud to announce that his campaign raised $86,100 through
December 31st. This figure represents the most money raised by a Newark West Ward City Council candidate since 2006 and the most by a non-incumbent in recent memory.

“We’re especially proud of these numbers, because it’s still early and it doesn’t just represent money, it
represents people. We have over 300 donors, and many of them are contributing to campaigns and
getting involved for the first time,” Onyema said.

Onyema held a successful birthday fundraiser in November, which raised over $23,000 and cemented his place as a candidate to watch in New Jersey.

A handful of candidates have announced a run for the West Ward City Council seat, and some have even
held fundraisers, but according to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission’s (“ELEC”)
website, only Onyema has filed to run and submitted required quarterly reports.

One candidate has even printed campaign literature that was purportedly paid for by a campaign account that does not exist, according to ELEC’s website.

“That’s troubling,” Onyema stated. “In light of the cloud hanging over the seat, I think it’s critical that
every candidate demonstrate their integrity by following the law and adhering to the ELEC process,” he
added.

Under New Jersey law, candidates for all elected offices must file reports of their campaign’s financial
activity. Even individuals who engage in pre-candidacy activity, commonly known as “testing the waters,” are defined by law as candidates and are required to file reports.

“When we began this journey, I committed to be honest, transparent, and to serve with integrity. We share our fundraising numbers and file timely ELEC reports, because it’s the right thing to do and because residents deserve to know how we raise and spend our campaign funds. If we are going to be good stewards of the city’s budget, we ought to begin with our campaign funds,” Onyema added.