Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite an overnight attack that destroyed the party’s ward secretariat in his hometown.

The secretariat in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was set ablaze by suspected political thugs hours before Amaechi was due to arrive for his membership registration.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the facility late Thursday night, firing gunshots and setting the building on fire.

Residents reported that the gunmen also blocked the Omuawa–Ubima road early Friday morning, preventing vehicles carrying ADC supporters from entering the community.

Amaechi Proceeds with Registration

Despite the destruction and tense atmosphere, Amaechi still proceeded to his ward to complete the registration exercise.

Eyewitnesses said the former minister arrived in the community and walked towards the gathering point after suspected attackers fled the area.

Amaechi, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation and was previously governor of Rivers State, hails from Ubima.

His move to the ADC marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Don’t Be Violent,” Amaechi Tells Supporters

Addressing supporters who gathered to receive him, Amaechi urged them to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“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,” he said.

Amaechi also praised the professionalism of security operatives deployed to the area.

“We thank the commissioner of police and the director of DSS; they showed a lot of professionalism. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that from them; I thought they would be behind the criminals,” he added.

He urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

APC Chieftain Condemns Incident

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, condemned the attack and described it as an assault on democracy.

In a statement made available to journalists, Eze alleged that the attackers were loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He described the incident as “dastardly, undemocratic and cowardly”.

Eze also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

He further criticised what he described as rising political intolerance in the country.

The APC chieftain also questioned the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the federal government must ensure political stability as the country approaches the next election cycle.

Political Tensions in Rivers

Rivers State has long been a centre of intense political rivalry, particularly between Amaechi and Wike.

Both men are influential political figures with strong grassroots networks in the state.

Analysts say the burning of a party office ahead of a political event highlights growing tensions in the state’s political landscape.

Why It Matters

Amaechi’s entry into the ADC could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria.

The party has been expanding its national presence and is positioning itself as a platform for political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

His involvement may strengthen the party’s influence, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

However, the latest incident raises concerns about political violence and security during party activities.

What Happens Next

Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack on the secretariat.

ADC leaders say the party will continue its mobilisation activities in Rivers State.

Political observers believe the incident could deepen political rivalry in the region as the 2027 elections draw closer.

We warmly congratulate our indefatigable State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, on his re-election as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

His continued leadership demonstrates the confidence that party members have in his vision, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the growth of our great party.

We deeply appreciate his immense efforts for the APC at both the state and national levels, particularly his tireless work promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda and mobilizing support for the successful second term of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lagos APC remains strong today because of his steadfast leadership, fairness, and commitment to party unity.

It is, therefore, regrettable to note the recent misleading statements by Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi regarding the affairs of Ojokoro LCDA. His claims are entirely unfounded and appear designed to create unnecessary turbulence within our party.

For clarity:

Mr. Sanusi did not win the last chairmanship primaries in Ojokoro LCDA. Our Executive Chairperson emerged as the people’s choice and duly recognized winner.

Regarding the Supervisory Councillors list, all relevant stakeholders were consulted and the final list reflects the collective agreement of our local leaders. At no point did the State Chairman favor any faction.

The APC in Ojokoro LCDA remains united and indivisible. We are one party, committed to peace, progress, and the growth of the APC.

We, therefore, call on the party leadership to take appropriate action regarding Mr. Sanusi’s disruptive behavior. His persistent attempts to stir division and create chaos in Ojokoro LCDA are unacceptable. Party members are expected to conduct themselves responsibly, in ways that promote unity and stability.

We urge Mr. Sanusi to desist from these actions immediately. Any further attempts to destabilize the party will attract the full weight of party discipline and, if necessary, the law. The elders and stakeholders of APC Ojokoro are weary of such behavior and remain committed to ensuring peace and cohesion within our local council.

Once again, we congratulate Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi on his re-election and reaffirm our loyalty to his leadership and to the continued success of the APC in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

Real estate developers in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, have accused Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, of disrupting construction sites and intimidating workers.

The claims have triggered petitions to security agencies and the government, raising questions about investor confidence in Oyo State’s fast-growing property sector.

Witnesses said Igboho arrived at several construction locations with a convoy of vehicles and supporters, halting work and demanding negotiations with developers.

Some real estate companies say the incidents have forced staff to flee temporarily from sites, disrupting ongoing projects.

Why it matters

Ibadan has become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing real estate markets in recent years, attracting developers seeking cheaper land compared with Lagos.

Developers also warn that construction shutdowns could affect employment for artisans, labourers and contractors working on these sites.

Claims about royal backing

During one of the reported visits to a construction site on Monday, witnesses alleged that Igboho said he had the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Some witnesses claimed he told workers that the monarch was “his father” and that no one could challenge his authority in Ibadan.

The Olubadan has not publicly commented on the claims.

Community leaders have since urged the palace to clarify its position and ensure the monarch’s name is not used to intimidate investors.

Legal action from developers

One of the affected real estate firms has hired lawyers from the chambers of Afe Babalola to seek legal protection.

The company said it had also submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector General of Police, as well as to authorities in Oyo State.

In the petition, the firm alleged threats to staff and requested an order restraining Igboho and his supporters from interfering with construction activities.

Background: Igboho’s past clashes

Igboho rose to prominence during campaigns against criminal activity in parts of south-west Nigeria and later became a prominent voice for the Yoruba Nation movement.

In 2021, security operatives raided his residence in Ibadan during a confrontation with authorities, after which he left the country.

He returned to Nigeria recently after spending time abroad following legal battles related to his arrest in Benin.

What’s next

With petitions filed and lawyers preparing legal action, attention is likely to turn to how security agencies respond.

For now, developers say they are watching the situation closely while trying to keep construction work moving.