I’m The Authentic Imo ADC Chairman – Amushie

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said Chief Emmanuel Amushie is their authentic recognised chairman and not Prof. James Okoroma.

This is even as they recognised Senator David Mark as the national chairman of the ADC.

Amushie made the disclosure on Thursday at a press conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Also in attendance were the deputy chairman, Adizua Eugene Nwachukwu; the ADC woman leader, Ambassador Mrs Constance Ugwoegbu; and other party officials and members.

However, Prof James Okoroma declined to comment on the issue, saying the matter was in court and that any comments will amount to subjudice before the court.

Amushie said the clarification became necessary following what he described as misleading information about the leadership of ADC in Imo State.

According to him, the Amushie led ADC executive was the only organic, constitutionally constituted, legally valid, and officially recognized leadership of the party in the state.

He said “for the avoidance of doubt, the Amushie-led State Executive Committee is the only leadership duly recognized and formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with the electoral act, 2022 and INEC’s established guidelines on the recognition of political party executives.

“The Amushie-led executive emerged through a properly convened and duly conducted party process, carried out strictly in compliance with the constitution of the ADC, particularly the provisions governing the structure, election, tenure, and recognition of state executive committees”, he said.

Further, Amushie called on people to disregard the faction led by Prof Okoroma, saying they do not represent the party in Imo State.

He said “while the party leadership and our amiable Chairman remain open to genuine reconciliation and constructive engagement aimed at building a stronger and more vibrant party in Imo State, the general public, party members, supporters, government agencies, and all stakeholders are hereby advised to disregard any statements, publications, or activities emanating from the Okoroma-led group, as they do not represent the ADC in Imo State in any capacity whatsoever”.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged and commended former Imo governorship candidate under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), during the 2023 elections, Mr Tony Ejiogu for his pivotal role in the ongoing repositioning and strengthening of the ADC in Imo State.

According to him, Ejiogu had “demonstrated exemplary leadership by bringing critical stakeholders together, brokering strategic realignments, and providing substantial moral, financial, and organizational support toward building a more united, focused, and formidable ADC in the state”, saying his  contributions have been instrumental in the renewed momentum and growing acceptance of the party across Imo State.

He restated that the ADC remains united, focused, and committed to provide credible leadership and a viable political alternative for the people of Imo State.

When contacted, Prof Okoroma said he would rather not comment on the issue as it was already before a competent court.

Okoroma said “I will not like to say anything because the matter is already in court and anything I say may amount to subjudice”.