A gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, was turned into a scene of confusion on Friday after suspected political thugs stormed the venue. The group had convened with the primary goal of inaugurating its forum, but the event was cut short when assailants disrupted the proceedings and began destroying property, including canopies, chairs, and sound equipment.
Eyewitness accounts provided to Zoyols News indicate that the intruders justified their actions by claiming the organizers had not secured the necessary approvals for the meeting. The attackers reportedly insisted that any political activity in the area required prior clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite the organizers’ efforts to explain the internal nature of the gathering, the intruders successfully shut down the event.
National Coordinator of the forum, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, has strongly condemned the attack, characterizing it as a blatant attempt to stifle opposition voices and discourage political participation among women. She clarified that the meeting was strictly an internal engagement designed to establish the forum’s presence in the local government, rather than an open campaign rally.
In a troubling revelation, Oma-Uwame noted that one of the individuals leading the disruption was identified as a local ward councillor. This individual allegedly argued that the group lacked authorization from local authorities and specifically took issue with the use of the party’s name in the area. The coordinator further revealed that she had received prior warnings against holding any meetings under the party’s platform in that specific jurisdiction.
Despite the setback, the forum maintains its commitment to increasing the representation of young women within political party structures. Oma-Uwame reaffirmed that the group’s mission is centered on gender inclusion and providing a legitimate pathway for women to pursue elective positions. She emphasized that the platform is not a feminist movement but a structured effort to encourage more women to join the political process through the proper channels.
The incident has raised fresh concerns regarding the safety of political gatherings in the region, especially those focused on grassroots mobilization and inclusion. As of now, the forum remains resolute in its mission to boost female involvement in governance, even in the face of such organized intimidation.
