Akwa Ibom police postpone Obi-Kwankwaso march over security concerns

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has ordered the postponement of political rallies, processions and related activities planned for October 1, citing security concerns and intelligence about possible disturbances. The directive affected a proposed two million-man march by the Obidient Movement in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo. The march had been planned to coincide with the state’s Independence Day celebrations.

In a statement signed by police spokesperson DSP Timfon John, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said all previously granted approvals for political activities on October 1 had been withdrawn. The command said some individuals might exploit the events to threaten public peace. Benjamin Smith, the state director of the Obidient Movement, criticised the decision at a press conference in Uyo.

He said the movement had spent more than N20m mobilising supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas and described the police action as an afterthought. Smith said the commissioner had previously approved the march. He added that police had told organisers during a September 29 meeting that they lacked enough personnel to secure two million people, particularly because the Peoples Democratic Party had an event scheduled from October 1 to 3.

He said the police had cited the possibility of clashes between the political groups. Smith accused the command of violating the Police Act and constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, while saying the movement would resist similar action in future. Despite the criticism, Smith encouraged supporters to remain law-abiding.

He said a new date would be announced and that the movement and its partners would not accept further cancellations. The police statement did not announce an alternative date for the march.