ADC, Rivers LG chairman trade words over ban on public gatherings
July 27, 2026 7:51 pm
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo.
By Dennis Naku
The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, are at loggerheads over the council’s recent ban on public gatherings, with the opposition party alleging that the directive is aimed at intimidating political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Ikwerre LG, where recent incidents of killings, kidnappings and attacks on residents have heightened tension.
Recall that Wobodo, in a broadcast last week, announced a ban on all forms of public gatherings in the local government area over alleged security threats from yet-to-be-identified persons.
However, the ADC described the directive as unconstitutional, alleging that it was intended to intimidate and stifle opposition political parties in the state.
The spokesperson for the ADC in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday that the directive issued by the Ikwerre LG chairman, purportedly prohibiting all public gatherings within the council area except with his written approval, should concern all lovers of democracy.
Enyi acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of Ikwerre LG, including recent killings, kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens.
The statement read, “We sympathise with the families of those who have lost loved ones and support every lawful effort aimed at restoring peace and security. However, while insecurity must be confronted decisively, it must never become a pretext for eroding constitutional democracy or suppressing the legitimate rights of law-abiding citizens.
“The directive raises fundamental constitutional questions. The rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights cannot be subjected to the personal approval of any Local Government Chairman.”
The party alleged that the directive did not come in isolation. For several months, members of the African Democratic Congress in Ikwerre Local Government have repeatedly faced intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings.
“This latest directive unfortunately reinforces the perception that an attempt is being made to institutionalise restrictions on legitimate political activities under the guise of security.
“ADC is equally concerned that if this directive is allowed to stand unchallenged, it could become a template for similar actions in other Local Government Areas, thereby shrinking the democratic space as Rivers State prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“We wish to remind all public office holders that security is achieved by identifying, arresting and prosecuting criminals, not by imposing blanket restrictions on the constitutional freedoms of innocent citizens.”
The ADC called on the Ikwerre council chairman to immediately withdraw what it described as the unconstitutional directive.
The party also urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure that every registered political party enjoys equal protection under the law and that lawful political activities are not disrupted.
It further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society organisations and other democratic stakeholders to closely monitor developments capable of undermining free political participation in Rivers State.
The statement added, “ADC remains committed to peaceful, issue-based and law-abiding political engagement. We shall continue to exercise our constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly and will resist every attempt to intimidate or silence democratic opposition through lawful means.
“The security of our people and the preservation of our democracy are complementary objectives. Rivers State deserves both.”
Reacting in a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Ikwerre LG, Wariso Wariso, defended the directive, saying it was a temporary measure necessitated by recent security threats.
Wariso said, “What I can say is that the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area placed the ban on public gatherings for now because of some security threats, and we don’t know where they are coming from.
“So the emphasis is for now. However, the chairman said those or any group who intend to gather for any good cause should apply to his office to obtain permission, and it would be looked into. The action is not for eternity. It is just to forestall any breach of the peace in our local government area, and he means well.”
Dennis Naku is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with approximately 19 years of professional experience. He has previously worked with Champion Newspapers and National Mirror Newspaper, reporting across multiple beats. His work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to professional journalism practice.
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