Imo ADC rejects involvement in party lawsuit

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from a lawsuit filed by 36 state chairmen against the party’s national leadership.

In a statement released to journalists in Owerri, Professor James Okoroma, Chairman of Imo ADC, clarified that neither the state chapter nor he is a party to the suit.

“We vehemently oppose mischievous litigations aimed at distracting the party,” Okoroma said, reaffirming the chapter’s loyalty to the national leadership under Senator David Mark.

The party emphasised its belief in the internal resolution of grievances and discouraged the constant resort to litigation without exhausting party mechanisms.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Imo State chapter nor I am a party to the suit. As democrats, we are not averse to any action by any person or group of persons aimed at seeking redress by constitutional means through the court.

“However, we vehemently oppose mischievous litigations by fifth columnists with intent to distract the party and create doubts in the minds of the people as to whether the ADC has the capacity to survive and lead Nigerians.

“Imo ADC remains loyal to the national leadership under His Excellency, Senator David Mark. We believe in the supremacy of the party and its capacity to resolve grievances internally.

“The constant resort to litigation by members without first exhausting internal mechanisms for grievance redress is unacceptable and should be discouraged,” Okoroma stated.

This development follows a South-East leaders’ resolution directing members from the zone to withdraw from all litigations against the party.