The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State has accused local authorities of using security concerns as a cover to suppress opposition political activities, raising fresh concerns over democratic freedoms as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Chizy Enyi, the ADC condemned a directive reportedly issued by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, requiring all gatherings within the council to obtain his personal written approval before they can take place.
According to the opposition party, the directive goes beyond efforts to tackle insecurity and risks violating constitutional rights guaranteed to all Nigerian citizens, including the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and political participation.
The ADC acknowledged that Ikwerre Local Government has experienced serious security challenges in recent months, including incidents of kidnappings, killings and attacks on residents. The party expressed sympathy to families affected by the violence and said it supports every lawful effort aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives.
However, it argued that security measures must not be used as a justification for limiting democratic rights or preventing law-abiding citizens and political parties from carrying out legitimate activities.
The party further alleged that its members in Ikwerre have repeatedly faced intimidation, threats and disruptions during lawful political meetings over the past several months. It claimed that the latest directive has strengthened fears that opposition parties are being deliberately targeted under the guise of maintaining public order.
According to the ADC, allowing such restrictions to remain in place could create a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar actions in other local government areas across Rivers State as political activities begin to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s next general election.
The party stressed that public safety should be achieved through the identification, arrest and prosecution of criminal elements rather than through blanket restrictions affecting peaceful citizens and registered political organisations.
Calling for immediate action, the ADC urged the Ikwerre Local Government chairman to withdraw what it described as an unconstitutional directive. It also appealed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure that every registered political party receives equal protection under the law without discrimination.
The opposition party further called on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and other democratic stakeholders to closely monitor developments in Rivers State and safeguard the constitutional rights of political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the ADC said it would continue to pursue peaceful, issue-based political engagement while resisting any attempt to silence opposition voices through lawful means.
The latest dispute highlights growing political tensions in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically influential regions. As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, observers say ensuring equal political participation, respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law will remain essential to maintaining public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
