APC Disrupts ADC Young Women’s Forum Meeting in Rivers -By Famous Obebi Famous

A programme of the Young Women’s Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, was on Thursday disrupted by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting, organised in conjunction with The Atosemi Movement (TAM), a grassroots mobilisation group, was aimed at creating awareness among young women on the need for increased participation in politics.

However, the event could not proceed as planned after the APC councillor representing Ward 1 in Eleme Local Government Legislative Assembly, Hon. Daddy Chikere, reportedly arrived at the venue with supporters and halted the programme.

He was said to have insisted that the organisers failed to seek and obtain approval from his office before convening the gathering.

Following the development, the National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women’s Forum and founder of The Atosemi Movement, Miss Atosemi Oma-Uwame, called off the meeting to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the incident, Oma-Uwame described the disruption as an attempt to stifle democratic engagement.

“What happened today was meant to be the inaugural programme of the ADC Young Women’s Forum in my local government area, and the APC came to disrupt the event. I’m grateful that there was no form of violence, as the issue was resolved diplomatically. They said if I want to host an event in the community, I should not use the name ADC or mention ADC, my political party.”

She added:
“This is an attempt to stifle democracy and stop political parties from hosting events. We didn’t come for a campaign; we just came for a gathering of ADC Young Women’s Forum in my own constituency. But we give God thanks, praise and glory.”

On the conditions allegedly given for future engagements, she said:
“Next time, they said I should write to the councillor, who will then forward it to the council chairman for approval. I don’t even know what to say—I’m short of words. But that’s that. The programme didn’t hold because the APC didn’t allow it to hold.”
Oma-Uwame, who hails from Eleme Local Government Area and is a graduate of Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt, described herself as a mother, businesswoman, and entrepreneur with interests in a beauty academy and building materials business across Eleme.

She said her foray into politics was driven by the disconnect between the region’s resource wealth and the living conditions of its people.

According to her:
“In a resource region like the Niger Delta, and in a heavily industrial local government area like Eleme—with a seaport, refinery, petrochemicals, and hundreds of multinationals—you would expect development to reflect on the people. But it does not. So there is a leadership vacuum, not a political vacuum.”

She lamented the state of infrastructure and services in the area, noting:
“The schools are still the way they are. There are security issues, and even power supply—Eleme has one of the worst power supplies for a place so blessed.”

Explaining the rationale behind the ADC Young Women’s Forum, she said it was created to provide a platform for young women in politics to organise and advance shared goals.
“As a young woman in politics, I need a platform where young women can discuss common goals and promote the political party, to enhance participation.”

She expressed optimism about the forum’s future impact:
“I would like to see the ADC Young Women produce members of the House of Representatives, senators, and even governors.”

Oma-Uwame also spoke broadly on national politics, expressing concern over governance and democratic space in the country.
“I’m not just in a state where APC is taking everything; I’m in a nation where APC is taking over everything. You might have the governors, but you might not have the hearts of the people. People are tired—people genuinely want good leadership.”

She added:
“We are in a nation where there is insecurity and terrorist attacks every now and then, and my President is presently in the UK. That is a mockery of our nation and our military.”

On Rivers State, she said:
“We had an unjust suspension of our governor. A state of emergency was declared, which I strongly believe was a setup. We have a State Assembly that is not functional. If everyone was satisfied, you wouldn’t have factions.”

Addressing internal party dynamics and leadership comparisons, she noted:
“I like to compare the Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike administrations. I had my first child in a healthcare facility built by Amaechi. This is not to say leaders are flawless, but people were employed, pensions were paid, and insecurity was curbed. But under Wike, there was more focus on building overhead bridges.”

She added that:
“For the past 10 to 11 years in Rivers State, we have been declining, and that is unfair.”
On political participation and youth involvement, she said:
“I am tired of hearing that youths are the leaders of tomorrow. That is why I am in this struggle. I encourage every youth to participate in politics and understand party dynamics.”

She also emphasised that her advocacy is not anti-men:
“We are doing the ADC Young Women’s Forum for gender balance. It is not a feminist agenda—men are very important. But young women should not shy away from politics.”

On women’s political participation, she stated:
“I don’t believe in begging men to give us our rights. If you want to be a senator, go and buy the form and contest. Nobody is holding your rights.”

Oma-Uwame disclosed that she intends to contest for political office in the future, adding that funding has been a challenge.
“Nobody in my political party has given us money. A few older friends believe in me, and I use my personal funds. Leadership is not easy, but we are overcoming the challenges.”

She concluded by affirming her loyalty to the ADC:
“I am in the ADC. If Amaechi does not get the ticket, I will still support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.”