The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike of orchestrating a plot to destabilize the party by creating unauthorized structures. The allegation, contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state party chairman, Chief Leader Sampson, claims the minister is acting through local government officials to undermine the ADC’s constitutional organization.
According to the statement, the alleged scheme targets Ikwerre Local Government Area and is projected to affect all 23 local government areas in the state. The party alleges that Mr. Charles Wobodo, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, under the supervision of Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, is being used to form “parallel and unconstitutional structures.” Specific actions cited include attempts to impose non-existent local government and ward executive committees and encouraging elected ward councillors to unlawfully assume party leadership roles.
The ADC framed these actions as an assault on democratic principles and the right to free political association. “History has shown that attempts to stifle political opposition often stem from fear of accountability and poor performance in public office,” the statement read.
In response, the party has made two direct calls. First, it urged President Bola Tinubu to “immediately intervene and call the Honourable FCT Minister to order” to safeguard democratic norms in Rivers State. Second, it appealed to relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations to prevent political tension or crisis.
The ADC stated it would “firmly defend its constitutional rights and legally recognized party structures” but emphasized its commitment to “peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.” The party concluded by urging members and supporters to remain calm and vigilant while reaffirming its dedication to “credible leadership and people-centered governance.”
The ADC is a registered political party that has contested elections at state and national levels. This public confrontation highlights ongoing intra-party tensions in Rivers State, a politically significant region in Nigeria’s oil-producing south-south zone. Minister Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The situation underscores the delicate balance of political power in the state and raises questions about the use of federal authority in local party affairs.
