ADC Condemns Ikwerre Gathering Ban, Calls Directive Unconstitutional

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has condemned the directive issued by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, restricting public gatherings without prior approval, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic freedoms.

Speaking during a live broadcast, Wobodo announced a ban on all forms of gatherings in the council area, stating that anyone intending to hold a meeting must obtain written approval from the council at least 72 hours in advance.

Reacting in a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizy Enyi, said the directive reinforces concerns that legitimate political activities are being restricted under the guise of addressing insecurity.

While acknowledging the security challenges in parts of Ikwerre, including recent cases of killings, kidnappings and attacks on residents, the ADC expressed sympathy with affected families and reiterated its support for lawful efforts to restore peace.

The party, however, insisted that insecurity must not be used as a justification to erode constitutional democracy or suppress the rights of law-abiding citizens.

According to the ADC, the directive raises serious constitutional concerns regarding the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Enyi argued that such rights cannot be subjected to the personal approval of any local government chairman. He further alleged that ADC members in Ikwerre had, for several months, faced intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings.

The party warned that allowing the directive to stand could set a dangerous precedent for other local government areas, shrinking the democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC maintained that security should focus on identifying, arresting and prosecuting criminals rather than imposing blanket restrictions on the constitutional freedoms of innocent citizens.

The party called on the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman to immediately withdraw the directive. It 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.

The ADC further appealed to 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.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, issue-based and law-abiding political engagement, pledging to continue exercising its constitutional rights through lawful means.