The maiden meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women Forum was on Friday in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State disrupted by suspected political thugs
Penpushing reports the hooligans stormed the venue in Alesa Eleme, Rivers, dispersed supporters and destroyed canopies, loudspeakers, chairs and other equipment claiming that the organisers had not obtained prior approval and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not authorised political activities.
The National Coordinator of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Young Women’s Forum, Atosemi Oma-Uwame, in reaction condemned the incident., describing the disruption as an attempt to suppress democratic engagement and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
” We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA. Thugs led by a ward councillor (name withheld) disrupted our meeting. The councillor claimed that we did not obtain approval from his office, but we did not come here for a campaign, rather for a gathering of the ADC young women in my Eleme constituency. They said that if I want to host an event in the community, I should not use the name, ADC, or mention my political party,” she said.
Penpushing further reports that Oma-Uwame explained that she had earlier been warned against hosting the event under her party’s platform in the area, stressing that the disruption was aimed to stifle democracy and prevent political engagement.
The National Coordinator added that the meeting was organised in collaboration with The Atosemi Movement to promote grassroots mobilisation among women.
“The disruption of our meeting is an attempt to stifle democracy and prevent political engagement. The forum provides a platform for young women in politics to organise and advance shared goals’, she said.
Penpushing also reports that Oma-Uwame explained that the group was not a feminist movement but rather aimed to promote gender balance within her party, emphasisng that he forum should not sy away from politics
“Young women should not shy away from politics. We do not need to beg men to grant us our rights. We encourage young women who wish to participate in politics or contest for positions to obtain party forms and contest’, Oma-Uwame said.
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