The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over what it described as a covert plot to destabilise its party structure in the state, allegedly linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The party has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and rein in the minister in order to protect democratic norms and political stability in Rivers State.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, Chief Leader Sampson, accused powerful political interests of attempting to undermine the party’s constitutionally recognised structures, particularly in Ikwerre Local Government Area and, by extension, across the state’s 23 local government areas.
According to the statement, the party uncovered what it described as a “calculated attempt” to create parallel and unconstitutional leadership structures within the ADC. Chief Sampson alleged that the move was being orchestrated by the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, acting through the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, Mr. Charles Wobodo, and allegedly supervised by a former local government chairman, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike.
The ADC claimed that the alleged plan involves imposing non-existent local government and ward executives on the party, in clear violation of its constitution and internal democratic processes. The statement further alleged that elected ward councillors were being encouraged to unlawfully assume leadership positions within the party, a move the ADC described as provocative and illegal.
“These actions, if allowed to stand, represent a direct assault on democratic principles, political plurality, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the political process,” the statement read.
The party stressed that Nigeria’s political space is open to all and warned that no individual or group should seek to intimidate or suppress opposition parties simply for offering alternative leadership and governance choices to the people. According to the ADC, attempts to weaken or destabilise opposition parties often stem from fear of accountability and dissatisfaction with performance in public office.
Chief Sampson said the alleged interference in the ADC’s internal affairs goes beyond routine political rivalry and poses a serious threat to peace and democratic stability in Rivers State, a state that has witnessed intense political tension in recent months.
In its appeal to the Presidency, the ADC urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to halt any actions that could further inflame political tensions in the state.
“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately intervene and call the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to order in order to safeguard democratic norms and political stability in Rivers State,” the party stated.
The ADC also called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations and take proactive measures to prevent any actions capable of triggering political unrest or crisis. The party warned that the creation of parallel party structures and the imposition of leadership without due process could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and fuel unnecessary conflict at the grassroots level.
Despite the allegations, the ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful political engagement. The party said it would firmly defend its constitutional rights and legally recognised structures using democratic and legal means.
“The ADC Rivers State Chapter will firmly defend its constitutional rights and legally recognised party structures against any attempt to undermine or unlawfully interfere with its operations,” the statement said. “We remain committed to peaceful, lawful, and democratic means in protecting the integrity of our party.”
The party further reiterated its dedication to democratic values, good governance, and people-centred leadership, noting that it would not be distracted from its vision for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
Addressing its members and supporters, the ADC urged calm, vigilance, and strict adherence to the law, even in the face of what it described as deliberate provocation. The party encouraged its supporters to remain focused on building credible structures and offering Nigerians a viable political alternative.
Political observers say the development adds another layer to the already complex political landscape in Rivers State, where rivalry among major political actors has continued to shape the state’s political discourse. While no official response has yet been issued by the FCT Minister or those named in the allegations, the ADC’s statement is likely to intensify calls for greater respect for party autonomy and internal democracy across Nigeria’s political system.
