Rivers ADC Gives APC 24 Hours to Prove Alleged Attack on Supporters

The ADC, which denied involvement in the incident, described the allegation as unsubstantiated and capable of heightening political tension in the state.

The party was reacting to a statement issued by the Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, who accused ADC members of attacking APC and Rainbow Coalition supporters travelling to attend Tinubu’s presidential rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on November 7, 2026.

In a statement dated November 12 and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, the ADC challenged Ikenga and the APC to produce evidence supporting the allegation within 24 hours.

The party demanded the identities of the alleged victims, details of medical treatment received, the police station where the incident was reported, as well as photographs, videos or eyewitness accounts capable of establishing the involvement of ADC members.

“We categorically reject the allegation of ADC involvement. It is unsubstantiated, misleading and capable of unnecessarily inflaming political tensions in Rivers State,” the party stated.

The ADC also denied organising or authorising any activity at Eleme Junction in connection with the presidential rally, insisting that the APC had not presented credible evidence to substantiate its accusation.

The opposition party further recalled an alleged attack on members of its Young Women Forum at Alesa, Eleme, in March 2026.

According to the ADC, suspected political thugs disrupted the gathering, dispersed participants and destroyed equipment. It said the incident was reported by national newspapers, adding that it had remained committed to peaceful political participation despite what it described as previous acts of intimidation.

Reacting to the Rivers APC’s warning that its supporters should defend themselves against further attacks, the ADC cautioned political leaders against making statements that could encourage violence or retaliation.

“No political party should encourage its supporters to take the law into their own hands, engage in reprisals or resort to violence under the guise of self-defence,” the party warned.

The ADC also announced plans to petition the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), requesting investigations to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

It said the matter would also be brought to the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party urged security agencies to protect residents from arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment based on unverified political allegations, while insisting that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct should face the law.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, maintaining that political competition in Rivers State should be settled through the ballot rather than intimidation or violence.