Suspected thugs disrupt ADC young women’s forum in Rivers State

By Johnson Arua

Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted the maiden meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women’s Forum in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

The group reportedly stormed the venue in Alesa Eleme, dispersing supporters and damaging canopies, loudspeakers, chairs, and other equipment.

The disruption occurred amid claims that the organisers had not obtained prior approval and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not authorised political activities in the area.

Reacting to the incident, the National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women’s Forum, Ms. Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to suppress democratic engagement ahead of upcoming elections.

“We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA. Thugs led by a ward councillor disrupted our meeting,” Oma-Uwame said.

She added that the councillor claimed the event had not been approved by his office, insisting that she should not use the party’s name or reference ADC in the community.

Oma-Uwame revealed that she had previously been warned against hosting the event under the ADC platform in the area. “The disruption of our meeting is an attempt to stifle democracy and prevent political engagement,” she said.

The forum, organised in collaboration with The Atosemi Movement (TAM), aims to promote grassroots mobilisation among women and provide a platform for young women in politics to organise and advance shared goals.