The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has alleged the disruption of a political meeting in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, and the arrest of three of its members.
The party said the meeting, convened by its House of Assembly candidate for Ikwerre, Hon. Jeffrey Wobodo, was held ahead of his planned campaign activities.
According to the ADC, the three members, Confidence Amadi, Chikezie Justice and Isaiah Thomas, were arrested on allegations of cultism, which the party described as baseless and politically motivated.
The party alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the local security outfit, OSPAC, disrupted the gathering, assaulted some participants, and seized their mobile phones.
The ADC further claimed that the Isiokpo Area Commander, ACP Felix Ojiaku, indicated that the three men would be charged with cultism based on an alleged “order from above.”
Read Also: inec-moves-to-stop-atikus-bid-to-disqualify-tinubu-from-2027-election
The party also raised concerns over the reported assault of some of its members near the police Area Command, alleging the involvement of OSPAC personnel.
In response, the ADC called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and alleged misconduct by security personnel and OSPAC members.
It also urged the authorities to establish whether any police officer acted on an alleged directive from an unidentified superior.
The party demanded the immediate release of the three detained members unless the police can present credible evidence linking them to a specific offence.
The ADC further called for an investigation into whether the incident was connected to previous alleged threats and attacks targeting opposition activities in Ikwerre.
The party maintained that peaceful political mobilisation, opposition activities and lawful assembly are not criminal offences and pledged to continue using constitutional and legal channels to protect its members and participate in the 2027 electoral process.
