|
Listen to article
|
The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has called on President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to order following an alleged plot to destabilize the party in the state.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Leader Sampson, alleged that the ADC in Ikwerre Local Government Area, “and by extension, across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State,” is being destabilized.
He said the party “uncovered what appears to be a calculated attempt by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, allegedly acting through Mr. Charles Wobodo, the current Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, under the supervision of Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, to create parallel and unconstitutional structures within the ADC.
“These alleged actions include attempts to impose non-existent LGA and ward executives and directives purportedly encouraging elected ward councillors to unlawfully assume leadership positions within our party.
“The ADC views this development as a direct assault on democratic principles, political plurality, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the political process. The political arena is open to all, and no individual or group should attempt to suppress or intimidate others from offering alternative leadership or governance options to the people.
“History has shown that attempts to stifle political opposition often stem from fear of accountability and poor performance in public office.
“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately intervene and call the Honourable FCT Minister to order in order to safeguard democratic norms and political stability in Rivers State.
“We call on all relevant security agencies to urgently investigate these allegations and take appropriate steps to prevent any actions capable of triggering political tension or crisis within the state.
Read Also: Ningi Says Senate Can Openly Vote On Results E-Transmission
“The ADC Rivers State Chapter will firmly defend its constitutional rights and legally recognized party structures against any attempt to undermine or unlawfully interfere with its operations. We remain committed to peaceful, lawful, and democratic means in protecting the integrity of our party.
“The ADC reiterates its unwavering commitment to democratic values, peaceful political engagement, and the promotion of good governance in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“We urge our members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant while continuing to support the party’s vision of credible leadership and people-centered governance.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as “a party of forgers and riggers,” accusing the party of undermining democratic processes in Nigeria.
Atiku spoke in Minna after a closed-door meeting with former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), at the IBB residence.
The meeting lasted nearly two hours, during which journalists and supporters waited outside the compound.
Reacting to the tax reforms proposed and gazetted by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku said Nigerians should not be surprised by the actions of the ruling party.
“What do you expect? APC generally is a party of forgers and riggers. They forge everything, certificates, age limits, they forge everything. That is the hallmark of APC,” he insisted.
The former Vice President also criticised the outcome of the Senate’s emergency plenary on electoral reforms, describing the decision on result transmission as disappointing.
“First and foremost, it is below the expectation of Nigerians, because Nigerians were expecting real-time transmission of election results at the various levels.
“What we got instead is a mixture of electronic and manual transmission, which is going to cause more confusion and chaos than if we had a single-tier electronic transmission of results,” he said.
Atiku urged political parties to unite in pushing for credible reforms.
“We must come together to pursue this issue. We shouldn’t allow it to rest where they want it to rest. Absolutely not. I don’t support that,” he added.
On whether he would contest the 2027 presidential election, Atiku said the issue is not under consideration at the moment, noting that he is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The question of contesting the 2027 election does not even arise. I am a member of ADC and we are busy ensuring our structures are firmly rooted at ward, local, state, and national levels,” he said.
The former Vice President also stated that the party is focused on mobilisation and registration of members nationwide.
Atiku further said the ADC does not operate zoning in its constitution, noting that zoning is formally entrenched only in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
