The Nigeria Democratic Congress has expressed anger after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command cancelled a planned two million man solidarity march in support of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The march, organised by supporters of the Obi Kwankwaso ticket, was scheduled to take place in Uyo on October 1 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The police command announced that all previously approved political rallies, meetings, processions and related activities scheduled for the day across Akwa Ibom should be rescheduled...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The command cited security concerns, saying it had received intelligence suggesting that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. Police officials also reportedly raised concerns about having enough personnel to adequately secure a gathering of the proposed size.
The decision triggered an angry reaction from the NDC and the Obidient Movement, with the state director of the movement, Benjamin Smith, accusing the police of frustrating the planned event after preparations had already been made.
Smith claimed that organisers had spent more than N20 million mobilising supporters from the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom ahead of the march.
He also said representatives of the movement and the NDC had attended a meeting with the state police commissioner on September 29 concerning security arrangements for the event.
According to Smith, the police had raised concerns about the ability of security personnel to control such a large gathering, particularly because another political event was also scheduled in the state during the same period.
The NDC and its supporters questioned the timing of the cancellation, arguing that the organisers had already invested substantial resources in preparations.
Smith further alleged that the cancellation was politically motivated and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of being behind the decision. That allegation remains a claim by the NDC and has not been established as fact.
The police, however, maintained that its decision was based on security considerations and the need to prevent possible disturbances.
The cancellation has also triggered a wider debate about political gatherings and freedom of assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Obidient Movement has urged its supporters to remain peaceful and law abiding, while indicating that a new date for the march would be announced.
The development comes as political parties and support groups across Nigeria increasingly intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
For the NDC and supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso, the cancellation represents a setback to their planned mobilisation in Akwa Ibom. For the police, the decision was presented as a precautionary security measure aimed at protecting public safety during the Independence Day celebrations.
A new date for the proposed march is expected to be communicated by the organisers.
