Suspected thugs disrupted an ADC Young Women Forum meeting in Rivers, raising concerns over political intimidation and democratic suppression.
Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted a women’s political gathering organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State.
The incident occurred in Alesa Eleme, Rivers State, where the maiden meeting of the ADC Young Women Forum was underway.
Eyewitnesses said the thugs stormed the venue, dispersed attendees, and destroyed canopies, chairs, loudspeakers, and other equipment.
The attackers reportedly claimed that the organisers had not obtained prior approval for the event and insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not authorised political activities.
Reacting, the National Coordinator of the forum, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the disruption, describing it as an attempt to suppress opposition voices and limit democratic participation.
She clarified that the gathering was not a campaign event but a meeting aimed at mobilising young women within her constituency.
Oma-Uwame alleged that a ward councillor led the disruption and had earlier warned her against hosting an event under the ADC platform.
According to her, the action reflects growing attempts to stifle political engagement ahead of upcoming elections.
The meeting, organised in collaboration with The Atosemi Movement, was designed to encourage grassroots mobilisation and increase women’s participation in politics.
Oma-Uwame urged young women to actively engage in the political process, contest elections, and assert their rights within party structures.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
