A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned in strong terms the burning and destruction of the ward secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Eze described the incident as a dangerous and undemocratic development capable of undermining Nigeria’s fragile democratic process, while calling on security agencies to urgently investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
The APC chieftain alleged that the attack was carried out by political thugs loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to frustrate the formal registration of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as a member of the ADC in his ward.
According to Eze, Amaechi was expected to arrive at the ADC secretariat in Ubima on Friday to complete his official registration with the party when the facility was reportedly invaded in the early hours by armed men who destroyed property before setting the office ablaze.
Local sources reportedly said the attackers stormed the community late Thursday night, firing sporadically before setting the secretariat on fire. Residents also alleged that the assailants later mounted a roadblock along the Omuawa–Ubima road, preventing vehicles conveying ADC supporters from entering the community.
Despite the attack and attempts to stop him from entering his community, Amaechi reportedly proceeded with his visit and completed his registration with the party.
Eze commended Amaechi’s courage, noting that the former Rivers State governor demonstrated resilience in the face of intimidation and political harassment.
He said the action of those behind the attack represents a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s political environment and warned that political violence must not be allowed to become the norm.
Eze further expressed concern over what he described as the inability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in the FCT Minister, warning that unchecked political excesses could threaten the nation’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While addressing his supporters, Amaechi appealed for calm and urged them to avoid violence despite the provocation.
“Don’t be violent because violence may lead to the death of somebody don’t be violent. At the same time, they can’t stop us from meeting in our community,” Amaechi said.
The former minister also commended the professionalism displayed by security operatives deployed to the area, particularly the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services.
He urged security agencies to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible for the arson and acts of intimidation.
Eze maintained that the incident underscores the urgent need for authorities to protect democratic freedoms and ensure that political participation is not threatened by violence or intimidation.
He noted that Amaechi’s defection to the ADC could significantly strengthen the opposition party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
