The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Enugu State chapter, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, accusing officers of the force of unlawfully seizing critical party registration materials and harassing its members during a party event in Enugu State.Nigerian news focus
In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the party said the incident occurred on March 5, 2026, during the scheduled inauguration of its Membership Registration and Revalidation Committee.
The exercise, according to the party leadership, was intended to kick-start the statewide membership registration and revalidation programme in line with directives from the party’s national leadership and provisions of the Electoral Act guiding political party administration.
The petition, signed by the ADC State Chairman, Stella Chukwuma, and the State Secretary, Izunna Anyanwu, alleged that the event, held at Hotel Admiral Resort, was disrupted following the actions of the committee chairman, Sunday Okereke.
According to the party, essential registration materials — including membership cards and registers — had earlier been handed over to Okereke by the state chairman after they were collected from Abuja for use in Enugu.
However, during the inauguration meeting, Okereke allegedly walked out of the meeting hall and refused to return the materials needed to commence the exercise.
“During the inauguration meeting, Barr. Okereke suddenly walked out of the meeting hall and refused to hand over the party materials required to commence the registration exercise,” the petition stated.
The party further alleged that when leaders and members demanded the return of the materials in line with the party’s constitution and operational procedures, Okereke allegedly contacted the police.
“Upon arrival, the officers harassed and intimidated party members present at the venue, disrupted the internal proceedings of the party, and subsequently left the venue with the said party materials together with Barr. Sunday Okereke,” the petition added.
The ADC leadership said the officers were reportedly led by the Divisional Police Officer of New Haven Division, identified as Barrister Ogbodo.
The party warned that the development has plunged the Enugu chapter into an administrative crisis, especially as it has only ten days to complete the nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise.
“The African Democratic Congress is a legitimate and duly registered political party in Nigeria, and its internal administrative processes are protected under democratic principles and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the party stated.Nigerian news focus
It further argued that security agencies have no legal authority to interfere in the internal democratic processes of political parties unless there is a clear breach of law or threat to public order.
According to the petition, the removal of the materials amounted to the unlawful seizure of party property and had severely disrupted the party’s lawful activities.
In their appeal to the police command, the ADC leaders called for urgent intervention.
“We respectfully request immediate investigation into the role played by the officers involved in this incident and the recovery and safe return of all ADC membership registration materials unlawfully taken from the venue,” the petition read.
They also called for the interrogation of Okereke over the alleged unlawful possession and removal of the party’s Property
The party further requested assurances from the police that security agencies would remain neutral and refrain from interfering in the internal democratic processes of political parties.
The ADC leadership also expressed concerns that the materials might have been compromised following their removal.
“Due to the circumstances under which the materials were removed, the Enugu State chapter of ADC no longer has confidence that the materials have not been tampered with,” the party stated.
It further alleged that there were credible concerns within the party that political opponents, particularly elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC), might be behind the disruption.
“At present, the leadership and members of ADC Enugu State chapter are actively seeking the whereabouts of Barr. Sunday Okereke in connection with the unlawful removal and continued possession of the party’s property,” the petition added.
The party urged the Enugu State Police Command to urgently intervene to restore order, safeguard democratic processes and ensure justice in the matter.
