Akwa Ibom police have cancelled a planned two-million-man march for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its supporters lost about ₦20 million in preparations.
The Obidient Movement had planned the march in Uyo for Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Kwankwaso. It was due to hold on Thursday, October 1, which was Independence Day. The NDC in Akwa Ibom has reacted angrily and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the cancellation.
Police Cite Security Threat
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the decision on Wednesday. DSP Timfon John, the command’s spokesman, signed the statement.
According to the police, they received credible intelligence that some people planned to use political activities to cause disturbances. As a result, they directed that all earlier approvals for rallies, meetings and processions on October 1 be rescheduled. The order covers all political parties, groups and associations in the state.
It was also gathered that the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, warned parties against any rally or street march on Independence Day. He reportedly said the command did not have enough personnel to control such a crowd.
Organisers Say the Order Came Too Late
The State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, spoke at a press conference on Thursday. NDC leaders and officials of the movement were with him.
Smith said the cancellation was an afterthought because the Commissioner of Police had earlier approved the rally. He added that the movement had spent more than ₦20 million to mobilise supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas. He questioned why the police would cancel the event without considering the cost to the organisers.
He also said the movement attended a police meeting on September 29, along with members of its planning committee. Despite this cooperation, the march was still called off.
NDC Blames the APC
Smith accused the APC of being responsible for the cancellation. He reminded the party that it once belonged to the opposition and enjoyed a level playing field to campaign and win elections.
He warned that the movement and the NDC would not accept further cancellations. However, he urged supporters to stay law-abiding. According to him, the group will announce a new date for the rally.
