Prof. James Okoroma, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating an attack on the Odenigbo Lecture event hosted by the Imo Catholic Church, where former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was a guest speaker.
In an interview with Arise News Television on September 12, 2025, Okoroma claimed that the APC deployed sponsored thugs to disrupt the gathering, driven by fears over the ADC coalition’s rising prominence.
Okoroma described the assailants as well-organized and financially backed, arriving in chartered buses with pre-made placards and materials to incite chaos. He stated that he personally observed the operation, confirming that external funding covered transportation and supplies for the hoodlums. The incident, which unfolded during the lecture series focused on socio-political issues, highlighted escalating tensions between the APC and opposition alliances.
He praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for their prompt response in de-escalating the situation and safely escorting El-Rufai from the venue. Okoroma warned that targeting a high-profile figure like El-Rufai in the Southeast could provoke widespread unrest, potentially leading to severe national repercussions amid Nigeria’s fragile political climate.
His words: “Nasir El-Rufai is an important figure in the politics of Nigeria for the East and North to come together. The whole essence was to rebuild the East-North alliance and Nasir El-Rufai is a key figure in what is going on. To attack him in Igboland is dangerous not just for the east but for the whole country.”
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