By Olusegun Samuel Precious
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has vowed that no amount of harassment or political intimidation will derail its strategy and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the ADC, Chief Engr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, made this assertion on Saturday while reacting to Friday afternoon’s attack on party members and executive officers in Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Assault and Arrests in Isiokpo
The incident occurred during a consultative meeting convened ahead of political campaign activities. Reports indicate that armed assailants, alongside local vigilante groups and security personnel, disrupted the peaceful gathering, leaving several ADC members injured and leading to the arrest of others.
The violence has drawn widespread condemnation from party faithful and political observers, with media influencer Dandy Loveday raising fresh concerns Saturday morning over what stakeholders describe as relentless, targeted attacks on ADC members across the council area.
Addressing newsmen in response to the growing tension, Chief Engr. Dimkpa reassured party supporters that the leadership is taking decisive action to protect its members and defend democracy in the state.
“As ADC State Chairman, I have been fully engaged with the situation in Ikwerre LGA, including the recent incidents involving our members,” Dimkpa stated. “Appropriate political, security, and legal steps have been taken and will continue to be taken.”
He emphasized that the party’s priority remains the safety of its membership and the expansion of its grassroots structures ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
“Our responsibility is to protect our members, strengthen our structures, and ensure that intimidation does not derail our preparations for 2027,” he added.
The party leadership called on security agencies to investigate the violent disruption, release all detained members, and ensure that political parties are granted the constitutional freedom to assemble without fear of reprisal.
