What was meant to empower young women in politics turned chaotic after suspected thugs invaded and shut down an ADC gathering in Rivers.
Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted the maiden meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA of Rivers State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the venue in Alesa Eleme, scattered participants, and destroyed canopies, chairs, loudspeakers, and other equipment.
They allegedly claimed the organisers lacked prior approval and insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not authorised political activities.
Reacting, the forum’s National Coordinator, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the disruption, calling it an attempt to silence opposition voices ahead of elections.
She clarified that the gathering was not a campaign event but a forum to mobilise and empower young women in politics within her constituency.
Oma-Uwame also revealed she had earlier received warnings not to host the event under the ADC platform, describing the attack as a threat to democratic participation.
The meeting, organised alongside The Atosemi Movement, aimed to encourage women’s involvement in politics and promote gender balance within the party.
Despite the disruption, she urged young women not to be discouraged but to actively participate in politics and contest for positions.
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