The Imo State chapter of the APC Youth League has condemned what it described as a campaign of calumny against the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Hon. Austine Onyedebelu.
The League, in a statement issued by its State Coordinator, Dr. Okolie, described the alleged campaign against Onyedebelu as malicious and a matter of serious concern.
According to the group, the controversy surrounding the APC chairman reportedly arose from a community dispute, but alleged that some individuals had resorted to what it described as propaganda rather than pursuing available legal and administrative channels for resolving their grievances.
The League said the alleged campaign should not be viewed as a personal matter involving Onyedebelu alone, arguing that attacks on the state APC chairman could have wider implications for the party and the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Dr. Okolie said Onyedebelu, in his capacity as ISOPADEC managing director and APC chairman, had overseen initiatives in areas including youth empowerment, education, healthcare and infrastructure development across the state’s oil-producing communities.
He therefore urged those behind the alleged campaign to discontinue what he described as attempts to damage the reputation of the APC chairman and the offices he occupies.
The Youth League further alleged that the controversy could create unnecessary tension in the state and undermine the peace and stability enjoyed by residents.
It also linked the development to the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, alleging that the campaign was intended to weaken the party’s leadership and affect its electoral prospects.
The League called on individuals and groups with grievances against Onyedebelu to seek redress through appropriate legal and institutional channels rather than engaging in what it described as character assassination.
It cautioned that continued attacks could prompt the group to pursue available legal and other legitimate means to address the matter.
