The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Rivers State has challenged the All Progressives Congress, APC, to produce evidence linking its members to the alleged attack on APC supporters at Eleme Junction during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state.
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 on Wednesday by the Rivers State APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, who accused ADC members of attacking APC and Rainbow Coalition supporters travelling to the presidential rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on November 7.
In a statement dated November 12 and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, the ADC challenged Ikenga and the APC to provide evidence of the alleged attack 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 and any photographs, videos or eyewitness accounts linking the attackers to the ADC.
It said, “We categorically reject the allegation of ADC involvement. It is unsubstantiated, misleading and capable of unnecessarily inflaming political tensions in Rivers State.”
The ADC also denied organising or authorising any activity at Eleme Junction in connection with the presidential rally, insisting that no credible evidence had been presented to establish the involvement of its members.
The party further recalled an alleged attack on members of its Young Women Forum at Alesa, Eleme, in March 2026, claiming that suspected political thugs disrupted their gathering, dispersed participants and destroyed equipment.
It said the incident was reported by Premium Times and other national newspapers, adding that it had remained committed to peaceful political participation despite the alleged intimidation.
Reacting to the APC’s warning that its supporters should defend themselves against further attacks, the ADC cautioned political leaders against statements that could encourage violence or reprisals.
The party said, “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.”
It also announced plans to formally petition the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services to investigate the allegations and establish what happened.
The ADC said it would equally bring the matter to the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party urged security agencies to protect citizens from arbitrary arrest, intimidation and harassment based on unverified political allegations, while insisting that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct should face the law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, declaring that the contest for political power in Rivers State should be decided through the ballot rather than intimidation or violence.