ADC condemns Ikwerre council’s ban on public gatherings

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has criticised the decision by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, to ban all public events in the council, describing the directive as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic rights.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Barr. Chizy Enyi, made the position known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.

Wobodo had announced the ban in a broadcast on Saturday, saying the measure had become necessary because of repeated security challenges in the local government area.

Reacting, the ADC said that although it recognised the security concerns in Ikwerre, prohibiting public gatherings was not the right solution.

“The African Democratic Congress, Rivers State Chapter, has noted with grave concern the directive issued by the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government purporting to prohibit all gatherings within the Local Government Area except with his personal written approval,” Enyi said.

He noted that the party sympathised with families who had lost loved ones in recent attacks and supported lawful efforts to restore peace.

“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,” he added.

Enyi argued that the directive raised constitutional concerns, especially as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the rights to freedom of assembly and political participation are guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be subject to the personal approval of any local government chairman.

He also alleged that members of the ADC in Ikwerre had, for several months, faced intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings.

“This latest directive unfortunately reinforces the perception that an attempt is being made to institutionalise restrictions on legitimate political activities under the guise of security,” Enyi said.

The party further warned that, if the directive is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent for other local government areas and shrink the democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC called on Wobodo to immediately withdraw the order, insisting that it violates constitutional provisions.

The party also urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure equal protection for all registered political parties and prevent the unlawful disruption of legitimate political activities.

It further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and other democratic stakeholders to closely monitor developments that could undermine free political participation in Rivers State.