Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted a meeting of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Young Women Forum in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The group had convened for the inauguration of its forum when the assailants stormed the venue, dispersing attendees and destroying items such as canopies, loudspeakers, and chairs.
The disruption brought the event to an abrupt end.
According to eyewitnesses, the intruders claimed the organisers failed to obtain prior approval for the gathering, insisting that political activities in the area required clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite attempts by organisers to clarify the purpose of the meeting, the attackers shut it down.
Reacting to the incident, the forum’s national coordinator, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the action, describing it as an effort to suppress political participation and stifle opposition voices.
She explained that the gathering was solely to inaugurate the forum’s presence in the local government and not for campaign purposes, stressing that it was an internal engagement for young women within the party.
Oma-Uwame further revealed that one of those involved in the disruption was identified as a ward councillor, who alleged that the organisers did not secure approval from local authorities and objected to the use of the party’s name.
She added that she had earlier been warned against holding the meeting under the party’s platform in the area.
Reaffirming the forum’s mission, she said it aims to boost the involvement of young women in politics and improve representation within party structures.
She clarified that the group is not a feminist movement but a platform focused on promoting gender inclusion in politics, encouraging interested individuals to join the party and pursue elective positions through due process.
Chaos as suspected thugs invade ADC Women’s Forum meeting in Rivers