The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised an alarm over an alleged clandestine plot by security agencies to arrest a key party chieftain and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The ADC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chief Luckyman Egila, disclosed this on Friday during an interaction with newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital. He indicated that the party has received intelligence suggesting that the former governor of Rivers State is being targeted as part of a broader crackdown on high-profile opposition figures.
Egila stated that as the ADC continues to position itself as the primary alternative to the ruling class, its leaders have increasingly become “persons of interest” to the government. He linked the alleged move against Amaechi to a growing pattern of intimidation directed at those who voice dissent against the current administration.
“Well, you may call it a rumor, but this is politics and we cannot write it off. We must remain vigilant,” Egila said. “Remember that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai was recently targeted by the DSS, and there seems to be a coordinated effort to go after anyone perceived as a strong pillar of the opposition.”
He further argued that the ADC’s rising profile has made it a threat to the status quo.
“As you know in Nigeria today, the African Democratic Congress is the main opposition political party that is determined to unseat the ruling party through democratic means. We cannot dismiss the possibility of such a plot. They are essentially out to arrest whoever is capable of organizing, opposing, or defeating them at the polls,” he added.
Despite the tension, Egila maintained that the party would not be intimidated into silence or lawlessness. He stressed that the ADC remains committed to the rule of law and is monitoring the situation closely.
“The African Democratic Congress is a law-abiding political party. We are yet to see if they will attempt to effect this arrest publicly or through other means. We are watching for now. We hope they do not push things to that edge because Nigerians are also watching and the international community is taking note,” he warned.
The allegations come at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Rivers State, a region that has remained a flashpoint for partisan friction. While security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the claims, the ADC insists that any attempt to restrain Amaechi would be viewed as a direct assault on the democratic space.
