The Director-General, Directorate for Support Groups, Diaspora Affairs, Civil Society Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State Chapter, Comrade (Dr.) Agu Diamond Bryan, has described the death of the late Hon. Chief Declan Ugochimereze Chinedu Azuzu as a major blow to the party.
Azuzu, until his death, was the Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Imo State ADC.
Speaking with journalists via telephone from Europe, Agu said the late Azuzu was an outstanding media professional whose passion for journalism, depth of analysis, and mastery of reportage clearly distinguished him from amateur writers within the media space.
According to him, Azuzu’s contribution to the ADC went far beyond routine publicity, noting that he was a media strategist and mobilizer who deployed his journalistic skills and proficiency to project the ideals, vision, and policies of the party to the Nigerian public.
“Azuzu was a veteran in the media profession. His passion for journalism and intellectual proficiency in political communication set him apart. He understood how to tell the ADC story with clarity, conviction, and credibility,” Agu said.
The Director-General, who is also the Publisher/Editor of Diamond Express Newspaper, further highlighted Azuzu’s leadership capacity, particularly his role as the founder of the “I Stand With ADC Movement,” one of the largest national coalition support groups for the party.
He noted that the movement has grown into a nationwide mobilization platform with structures across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, serving as a formidable support group and rallying point for political mobilizers and grassroots advocates of the ADC.
“This was not a small achievement. Through ‘I Stand With ADC,’ Azuzu demonstrated uncommon leadership, organizational skill, and commitment to party building at the national level,” Agu added.
Agu also described the late party stalwart as a humble, God-fearing, loyal, and respectful personality, noting that his conduct reflected discipline, integrity, and deep commitment to collective progress.
“Today is a sad day for the ADC family. We have lost a hero in the media space, a committed party man, and a dependable mobilizer. His humility, trustworthiness, and respect for party leaders endeared him to many,” he said.
He expressed particular sadness over Azuzu’s absence from the Directorate he heads, noting that his ingenuity and contributions would be greatly missed, especially within the “I Stand With ADC” structure.
Agu, who is currently in Rome, Italy, observed a one-minute silence for the late Azuzu, with Imo indigenes in the diaspora praying for the repose of his soul.
On behalf of the Directorate for Support Groups, Diaspora Affairs, Civil Society Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations, Agu condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the Imo State ADC leadership, and members of “I Stand With ADC,” describing the loss as irreparable.
The late Hon. Chief Declan Ugochimereze Chinedu Azuzu died of cardiac arrest on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, and was laid to rest on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, at his Umulewe Autonomous Community in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State.
The burial ceremony was attended by top political figures, including a former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who led the ADC delegation, alongside the State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma; National Vice Chairman (South East), Sir Bon Unachukwu; Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Damian Ezeagu; State Woman Leader, Hon. Mrs. Uju Ihejiagwa; State Publicity Secretary, Chief MacDonald Amadi, among other party leaders and mourners.
