ADC alleges intimidation, harassment of opposition parties in Rivers

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria's Rivers State has voiced strong opposition to a directive by the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman, Hon Charles Wobodo, prohibiting all gatherings without his explicit written consent. The party decries this move as an "institutionalized restriction on legitimate political activities" under the guise of addressing security challenges.

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However, while insecurity must be confronted decisively, it must never become a pretext for eroding constitutional democracy or suppressing the legitimate rights of law-abiding citizens.

While acknowledging the genuine security issues in Ikwerre, including recent killings and kidnappings, the ADC stressed that "insecurity must never become a pretext for eroding constitutional democracy." The party's publicity secretary, Barr Chizy Enyi, stated that the rights to peaceful assembly and association are constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be subject to the personal approval of a local government chairman.

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The rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights cannot be subjected to the personal approval of any Local Government Chairman.

The ADC highlighted that this directive follows months of intimidation, threats, and disruptions to their lawful political meetings. They fear that if left unchallenged, this action could set a precedent for other local government areas, further shrinking the democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

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For several months, members of the African Democratic Congress in Ikwerre Local Government have repeatedly faced intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings. This latest directive unfortunately reinforces the perception that an attempt is being made to institutionalize restrictions on legitimate political activities under the guise of security.

The party urged the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman to immediately withdraw the "unconstitutional directive." They also called upon the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organizations to monitor developments and ensure that all registered political parties receive equal protection under the law.

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We wish to remind all public office holders that security is achieved by identifying, arresting and prosecuting criminals, not by imposing blanket restrictions on the constitutional freedoms of innocent citizens.