“This Was Orchestrated” — ADC Accuses APC LG Chairman Over Attack on Amaechi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has raised alarm over the recent attack on the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

The party described the incident as a coordinated political move allegedly linked to local government authorities.

ADC leaders said the attack and the destruction of property were part of attempts to intimidate opposition members in the state.

The accusation was made during an interview on Arise News by Chizy Enyi, secretary of the party’s Contacts and Monitoring Committee in Rivers State. Enyi alleged that the attack on the former minister did not happen by chance.

According to him, political actors at the local government level planned the disruption.

“It is an obvious fact that this whole thing was orchestrated by the chairman of the local government,” Enyi said.

He explained that the crisis began earlier in the week when the ADC office in Ubima, the hometown of the former minister, was reportedly vandalised. The attack on the office, he said, happened in the early hours of the morning before the confrontation involving Amaechi’s convoy.

“Before the Friday that the former minister was attacked, around 1–2 a.m., the ADC office in Ubima was vandalised,” he said.

Enyi further alleged that security operatives mounted checkpoints along the road leading to the community during Amaechi’s visit. He said the convoy was initially stopped and delayed before some vehicles were allowed to proceed.

According to him, the situation worsened shortly afterwards when the road was blocked again, leading to confusion and the destruction of vehicles belonging to supporters and party members.

“On getting to the checkpoint, they stopped the convoy of the former minister. After much argument they allowed some vehicles to pass and then barricaded the road again and started destroying people’s vehicles,” he said.

The ADC official criticised statements allegedly made by local authorities following the incident. He accused them of attempting to shift blame to the former minister instead of condemning the violence.

“It is very unfortunate that the chairman came out to say the attack happened because the people rejected the former minister,” Enyi said.

He also expressed disappointment that the Rivers State government had not issued a strong public condemnation of the attack. According to him, the silence from the state leadership raises concerns about the safety of political actors and ordinary citizens.

“The governor not making a statement is really a very bad one. His primary duty is to protect lives and properties,” he added.

Enyi warned that the situation could threaten political activities in the state ahead of the next general elections if not addressed quickly. He questioned how opposition parties would freely organise campaigns if such incidents continued.

“With what is happening now, how will opposition parties campaign during the 2027 elections?” he asked.

Despite the tension, the ADC said it would not back down from its political activities across Rivers State. Enyi maintained that the party remains committed to strengthening its grassroots structure and mobilising supporters across wards and local governments.

“ADC members should not be deterred. We are going from one place to another to confirm ADC membership in various wards and local governments,” he said.