Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted the maiden meeting of the African Democratic Congress Young Women Forum in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred at the venue in Alesa Eleme, where the thugs allegedly stormed the gathering, dispersed supporters, and destroyed canopies, loudspeakers, chairs, and other equipment set up for the event.
The attackers reportedly claimed that the organisers had not obtained prior approval to hold the meeting and argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission had not authorised political activities.
Reacting to the disruption, the National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women’s Forum, Ms. Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the incident, describing it as an attempt to suppress democratic engagement and opposition activities ahead of forthcoming elections.
“We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA. Thugs led by a ward councillor disrupted our meeting,” she alleged.
According to her, the councillor claimed the organisers did not obtain approval from his office. However, she maintained that the event was not a campaign rally but a gathering of young women in her constituency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
“They said that if I want to host an event in the community, I should not use the name ADC or mention my political party,” she said, adding that she had earlier been warned against holding the event under her party’s banner in the area.
Oma-Uwame stated that the meeting was organised in collaboration with The Atosemi Movement to promote grassroots mobilisation among women and to provide a platform for young women in politics to organise and advance shared goals.
She stressed that the forum was not a feminist movement but one aimed at promoting gender balance within the party.
“Young women should not shy away from politics. We do not need to beg men to grant us our rights. We encourage young women who wish to participate in politics or contest for positions to obtain party forms and contest,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding the incident. (NAN)
