Amaechi Commences ADC Membership Drive in Rivers Following Gunman Attack on Party Secretariat and Convoy

Amaechi flags off ADC registration in Rivers after gunmen burn the party secretariat and attack his convoy. Security forces repelled the ambush; no casualties reported.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 3:41 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Violence at the ADC Secretariat in Ubima

The political landscape in Rivers State experienced a sharp escalation in tension on Friday following an early morning assault on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headquarters in Ubima. Unidentified gunmen targeted the secretariat in Ward 8 of Ikwerre Local Government Area, setting the building ablaze and reportedly firing shots at the nearby family residence of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The attack appeared to be a direct attempt to disrupt a scheduled party event, marking a volatile start to the ADC’s regional mobilization efforts. Despite the destruction of the facility, party leadership moved forward with planned activities, signaling a refusal to be intimidated by the outbreak of violence.

Convoy Ambush and Security Response

As Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi traveled to his hometown to flag off the membership registration exercise, his convoy was reportedly intercepted by suspected hoodlums. Monitoring reports indicate that the attackers attempted to strike the former minister’s motorcade, leading to a direct engagement with his security detail. Personnel from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were forced to return fire, successfully driving back the assailants and allowing the convoy to reach its destination. While no casualties were immediately confirmed, the incident underscores the high-risk environment surrounding the current political transition in the state.

Amaechi’s Call for Calm and Professionalism

Addressing a gathering of supporters shortly after officially registering as an ADC member, Amaechi praised the professionalism of the regional security heads. He specifically thanked the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS for their swift coordination during the crisis. Despite the personal nature of the attack, the former minister urged his followers to avoid any form of reprisal. He emphasized that while the community should not be stopped from meeting, violence only leads to further loss of life. His rhetoric focused on de-escalation, reminding supporters that the ultimate goal was a peaceful transition to "Aso Rock" rather than localized street battles.