ADC Alleges  Intimidation, Harassment Of Opposition Parties In Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised an alarm over alleged orchestrated plots to muscle opposition parties in Rivers State.

The party’s alarm bell is tolling against the backdrop of a directive purportedly issued by the authorities of the Ikwerre Local Council  prohibiting all forms of political gatherings and activities without the express approval of the Chairman.

Ikwerre is the home Local Government Area of the 2027 Vice presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi.

The 23 Local Councils of the State are  controlled by the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-backed Rainbow Coalition , comprising mainly the All Progressive Congress APC and Peoples Democratic party PDP.

In a statement on Monday, July 27, 2026, from its spokesperson Chizy Enyi, the ADC  described the directive as an act of intimidation targeted at frustrating opposition parties in the area and the State as a whole ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition Coalition maintained that the directive requiring the approval of the authorities of the Ikwerre Local Council Chairman before a political gathering can hold in the Council is a potent threat to the survival of constitutional democracy.

The source reports that the authorities of the Council had cited the renewed wave of kidnapping, and other criminal activities in  parts of the Council as a major reason for its action.

But while  acknowledging the security challenges facing parts of the Local Government Area, as well as sympathising with victims and their families, the ADC insisted that it should not be used as a smokescreen to erode democracy and suppress the rights of citizens.

The party further noted that while it supports every genuine efforts at restoring peace and stability, it nevertheless will resist any attempts to use the development as a bait to clamp down on opposition voices.

According to the ADC, the order raises critical constitutional questions especially as regards the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and political participation.

The ADC maintained that such constitutionally guaranteed rights have exposed to mortal danger by such directives as issued by the Ikwerre Local Council authorities.

It expressed serious concern that legitimate political activities are being deliberately restricted and undermined under the guise tackling insecurity.

The party noted that allowing the directive to pass will, no doubt, embolden the progenitors into seeking more ways of shrinking the democratic space ahead of the 2027 polls.

The party lamented that for months now, its members and supporters have been subjected to series of acts of intimidation and threats,lead to the  disruption of their lawful activities and gatherings

The ADC called on all relevant authorities including the state police Command ,other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to pay attention to developments that have the potential to undermine free political participation in Rivers state.