In March 1953, it was Imam who moved the famous motion of adjournment in the Federal House of Representatives which prevented debate on an Action Group resolution for self-government in 1956.

According to political scientist Richard L. Sklar, he "assumed these postures of conservatism" largely because he hoped to retain and increase his influence within the party.

[1]: 84 Before the 1956 regional elections, Imam, still an independent, sought the support of the BYM, who were now an influential party in Borno and were in alliance with the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU).

[1]: 111 In December 1957, Imam was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment for allegedly accepting a bribe four years earlier during his tenure as Supervisor of Works in the Native Authority.

However, the Senior Resident of the Bornu Province found the conviction unjustified and it was ultimately quashed by a higher court.

[2]: 341 In 1958, Imam negotiated an alliance between the BYM and the Action Group (AG), a party that dominated the Western Region.

[2]: 342 He left NEPU and established an alliance with the Action Group and later became the leader of opposition in the regional House of Assembly.