(DDM) – Youth leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State have declared Professor James Okoroma an impostor, accusing him of impersonating the party’s leadership and attempting to destabilize the structure ahead of 2027.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the declaration came after an emergency meeting of the State Youth Leader, three zonal youth leaders, and the twenty-seven local government youth leaders of ADC, held in Owerri on Tuesday, 19th August 2025.
The meeting, which also involved ward and polling unit youth leaders as well as the youth wing of COPDEM, ended with a strongly worded communiqué condemning what the group described as factional manipulations in Imo ADC.
The youths reaffirmed that the only authentic State Chairman of ADC in Imo remains Chief Emmanuel Amushie, popularly called Omeire.
They noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized Amushie as the legitimate chairman, dismissing Okoroma’s self-styled claims.
The communiqué alleged that Okoroma has been acting at the behest of desperate politicians who are bent on hijacking the party without following constitutional processes.
The youths observed that such reckless conduct is not only harmful to the stability of ADC in Imo but also injurious to the party’s national reputation.
They congratulated the National Executive Committee of ADC, under the leadership of Senator David Mark, while praying for wisdom to steer the party toward greater national relevance.
A vote of confidence was passed on Chief Amushie, whom the youths praised for his peaceful leadership and the successful conduct of the ADC Convergence held on June 6, 2025.
They also commended INEC for standing firm in reaffirming Amushie as the authentic state chairman.
The communiqué, however, issued a stern condemnation of Professor Okoroma, describing him as a willing pawn in the hands of self-serving politicians.
The youths branded him and his supporters as enemies of Imo ADC for instigating division and confusion within the party.
A vote of no confidence was equally passed on any group or coalition aligning with Okoroma, giving such individuals 72 hours to desist from parading themselves as party executives.
Failure to comply, they warned, would attract petitions to security agencies including the DSS, Police, Civil Defence, ICPC, EFCC, and INEC.
The youths further threatened to institute legal action against Okoroma, and even against ADC’s national leadership and INEC, if they are found complicit in enabling the alleged impersonation.
They urged INEC to embrace electoral reforms through what they called an “Operation Change Your Chairmen with Congress” policy, to discourage imposition by moneybag politicians.
The communiqué reaffirmed the youths’ commitment to defending justice, equity, and internal democracy within the party.
They vowed not to allow any cabal to destabilize ADC in Imo State, while insisting they will resist manipulation through lawful means.
Chief Amushie was hailed for his anti-corruption posture and grassroots sensitization programs designed to fortify ADC in the state.
The youths called on Nigerian youths, progressives, and democracy advocates to join them in building a stronger Imo and a greater Nigeria ahead of 2027.
Finally, they appealed to security agencies, including the DSS, ICPC, EFCC, Civil Defence, and the Inspector General of Police, to arrest Professor Okoroma should he continue parading himself as state chairman after the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum.
The communiqué concluded with a rallying cry: “ADC Arise, ADC Arise and Shine Imo State.”