The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over the cancellation of a planned two-million-man solidarity march in support of presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The march, organised by the Obidient Movement, was scheduled to take place in Uyo on October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities previously approved for the day.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said it had received intelligence suggesting that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. The police also cited concerns over its ability to provide adequate security for large gatherings.
The directive effectively withdrew earlier approvals for political activities scheduled across Akwa Ibom on Independence Day.
Reacting to the decision at a press conference in Uyo, Obidient Movement State Director Dr Benjamin Smith accused the police of frustrating the planned march. Smith said the cancellation came after the organisers had already made preparations and claimed that the police commissioner had previously approved the event.
Smith said the movement had spent more than N20 million mobilising supporters from the state’s 31 local government areas and arranging logistics for the march. He described the financial loss as significant and questioned the timing of the police directive.
According to Smith, representatives of the movement and the march’s planning committee had also attended a meeting with the police on September 29 concerning security arrangements for the event.
He said the NDC and the Obidient Movement would communicate a new date for the rally and urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The cancellation has also drawn wider attention after police reportedly arrested the Akwa Ibom coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement during efforts to stop the planned Independence Day gathering. Premium Times reported that the arrest followed the police directive withdrawing approval for political processions on October 1.
The police have maintained that their decision was based on security considerations and intelligence available to the command, rather than opposition to any particular political group.
The dispute comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with parties and political movements increasing their mobilisation across the country.
