Imo ADC DG for Support Groups, Diaspora Affairs Condemns Senate’s Stance on Electoral Reforms
…as he returns From Europe tour.
The Imo State Director-General for Support Groups, Diaspora Affairs, Civil Society Organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade (Dr.) Bryan Diamond Agu, has returned to Nigeria following an official working visit to Europe aimed at strengthening the party’s Diaspora structures and democratic outreach.
Addressing journalists in Owerri on Thursday, 5 February 2026, Agu explained that the overseas engagement was part of a broader strategic effort to deepen the ADC’s Diaspora mobilisation framework, enhance political inclusion, and align Imo indigenes resident in Europe with the vision, philosophy, and reformist mission of the African Democratic Congress.
According to him, the ADC remains committed to harnessing the intellectual, economic, and civic potential of Imo citizens in the Diaspora as a critical component of democratic renewal and participatory governance, noting that such engagement is largely absent under the current political leadership at the state and national levels.
He commended Imo indigenes in the Diaspora for their resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence wherever they reside, stressing that they have consistently distinguished themselves across diverse sectors of human endeavour. Agu, however, observed that despite their contributions, successive governments have failed to deliberately integrate the Diaspora community into governance and development planning, thereby widening the governance gap the ADC seeks to close.
The Director-General also congratulated the Imo State Chairman of the ADC, Professor James Okoroma, for what he described as principled leadership, deep respect for democratic norms, and the institutionalisation of a merit-based party administration. He noted that these qualities have translated into internal harmony, structural expansion, and sustainable growth of the party across wards and local government areas in Imo State.
In sharp contrast, Agu criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the state and federal levels, accusing it of lacking democratic depth, institutional discipline, and the meritocratic culture required to deliver responsive governance. He maintained that the ADC is positioning itself to correct these deficiencies and offer Imo State and Nigeria a people-centred government anchored on competence, fairness, and accountability.
Reacting to recent developments at the National Assembly, the ADC Director-General strongly condemned the Senate’s decision to retain existing provisions of the Electoral Act and reject proposed amendments that would have made real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
He warned that the Senate’s action poses a serious threat to electoral transparency and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Agu described the refusal to strengthen electronic transmission of results as a calculated move to weaken electoral safeguards ahead of future elections.
The Director-General further faulted the rejection of other key reform proposals, including electronic access to voter cards, reduction of election notice periods, and the shortening of timelines for the publication of candidates, stating that such provisions were designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and credibility in election administration.
According to him, the Senate’s posture reflects a deliberate attempt to manipulate the legal framework to accommodate electoral malpractice while placing unnecessary logistical burdens on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Agu who is a Media Consultant and Psychologist by training with a bias in Developmental Psychology alleged that the ruling APC has leveraged its numerical advantage in the National Assembly to dilute democratic reforms, an action he described as unjust to Nigerian voters who deserve laws that strengthen—not weaken—their electoral choices.
He stated that the rejection of progressive electoral reforms exposes the ruling party’s fear of free, fair, and competitive elections, accusing it of seeking to retain power through legislative manoeuvres rather than popular mandate.
Calling for vigilance and civic engagement, the Director-General urged Nigerians to resist any action capable of eroding democratic gains and to hold those in authority accountable for decisions that undermine the integrity of elections.
“As a responsible opposition party, the Directorate for Support Groups, Diaspora Affairs, Civil Society Organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations, ADC Imo State, unequivocally condemns this retrogressive posture of the Nigerian Senate and calls on all democratic forces to reject any attempt to roll back electoral reforms,” Agu said.
He specifically appealed to the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to disregard the Senate’s submission and adopt amendments that genuinely reflect democratic principles and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
The Director-General concluded by expressing profound appreciation to all ADC support groups across Imo State for their loyalty, organisational discipline, and sacrifices in advancing the party’s ideals. He praised the leadership of the various support structures for their consistency, resilience, and commitment to building a credible alternative political platform for the people of Imo State and Nigeria at large.
