Israel Oluyemi
A rally by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum in Rivers State has turned violent.
Suspected political thugs forced their way into the venue in Alesa Eleme, Eleme Local Government Area, scattering participants and destroying chairs, canopies, and sound equipment.
The attackers claimed the organisers lacked approval and argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not authorised political gatherings in the area.
Reports indicate a local councillor led the group and warned that the ADC name could not be used for community events.
Ms. Atosemi Oma-Uwame, National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women Forum, said, “We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA.”
”Thugs led by a ward councillor disrupted our meeting.”
She described the incident as “an attempt to stifle democracy and prevent political engagement.”
Oma-Uwame explained that the event focused on mobilising young women politically and was not a campaign activity.
Organised with The Atosemi Movement (TAM), the forum provides young women a platform to unite, pursue shared goals, and promote gender balance in the party.
She urged women to engage in politics, saying, “Young women should not shy away from politics. We do not need to beg men to grant us our rights.”