The meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State was abruptly disrupted on Friday after suspected political thugs invaded the gathering.
The group had assembled for the inauguration of its local forum when the attackers stormed the venue, scattering participants and vandalising property, including canopies, chairs, and public address systems were reportedly destroyed during the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants insisted that the organisers failed to obtain necessary approval before holding the meeting. They claimed that political activities in the area require clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite efforts by the organisers to explain the purpose of the gathering, the intruders refused to back down, forcing the event to end prematurely.
Reacting to the development, the forum’s National Coordinator, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, strongly condemned the act. She described the incident as an attempt to intimidate members and suppress political engagement, particularly among young women.
Oma-Uwame clarified that the meeting was strictly for the inauguration of the forum within the local government and not a political campaign. According to her, the event was an internal party activity aimed at mobilising and empowering young female members.
She further disclosed that one of the individuals involved in the disruption was allegedly a ward councillor, who questioned the legitimacy of the gathering and the use of the party’s name without local approval. She added that prior warnings had been issued against organising such a meeting in the area.
Reaffirming the group’s objectives, Oma-Uwame said the forum is committed to increasing the participation of young women in politics and enhancing their representation within party structures.
She emphasised that the initiative is not a feminist movement but a platform designed to promote inclusiveness and encourage women to actively participate in the political process through legitimate channels.
