RismadarVoice Reporters
October 2, 2026
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and the Obidient Movement have criticised the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over the cancellation of a planned two-million-man solidarity march for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The march had been scheduled for October 1 in Uyo as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, however, directed all political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities previously approved for October 1.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John said the directive followed intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political gatherings to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
The command said the restriction applied to political activities across the state and was imposed in the interest of public safety and security.
Reacting to the decision, State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, expressed disappointment and claimed that the planned march had previously received police approval.
Smith said organisers had already mobilised supporters across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas and estimated that more than ₦20 million had been spent in preparation for the event.
He also said members of the organising committee had honoured an invitation from the police on September 29 ahead of the planned march.
Smith accused the authorities of frustrating the mobilisation and said supporters would be informed of a new date. He urged members of the movement to remain law-abiding.
The police directive did not single out the NDC or the Obidient Movement, but applied to political parties, groups and associations planning activities in the state on October 1.
Despite the directive, some supporters attempted to proceed with an Independence Day march in Uyo on Thursday.
During the development, police arrested Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso, or OK, Movement.
The arrest prompted further criticism from Obi and his supporters, who questioned the treatment of people participating in political activities.
Obi subsequently argued that citizens’ rights to peaceful expression and association should be protected when exercised within the law.
He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system should safeguard such freedoms irrespective of citizens’ political affiliations or viewpoints.
The police have maintained that their October 1 directive was based on security considerations and applied broadly to political activities scheduled across Akwa Ibom State.
The controversy comes as political parties and support groups intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
