ADC Women’s Forum Meeting Disrupted by Suspected Thugs in Rivers State

Suspected political thugs disrupted a meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum on Friday in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The group had gathered for the inauguration of its forum when the attackers arrived at the venue, scattered participants, and damaged property including canopies, loudspeakers, and chairs. The incident forced the event to end abruptly.

Witnesses said the intruders insisted the organisers had not secured prior approval to hold the meeting and claimed that political activities in the area required clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They proceeded to halt the gathering despite explanations from organisers.

The national coordinator of the ADC Young Women’s Forum, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the disruption, describing it as an attempt to limit political participation and restrict opposition activities.

She said the group had convened to formally launch its presence in the local government area, not to campaign, and maintained that the meeting was strictly an internal party engagement for young women within the constituency.

According to her, one of the individuals involved in the disruption was identified as a ward councillor who alleged that the organisers failed to obtain permission from local authorities and objected to the use of the party’s name at the event.

Oma-Uwame added that she had previously been cautioned against holding the meeting under the party’s banner in the area. She maintained that the forum’s objective is to encourage greater participation of young women in politics and to promote internal representation within the party structure.

She stressed that the group is not a feminist movement but a platform aimed at strengthening gender balance in political participation, adding that interested members are encouraged to formally join the party and seek elective opportunities through established processes.