The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has cancelled all previously approved political rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1, citing security concerns and a lack of sufficient manpower to manage large gatherings.
The decision affected a planned two-million-man solidarity march by supporters of the 2027 presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the command had received intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
The police consequently directed all political parties, groups and associations to reschedule political activities planned for Independence Day across the state.
However, the decision triggered protests from the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, said organisers were frustrated by the cancellation, claiming that the police had previously approved the event.
Smith said the organisers had spent more than N20m mobilising supporters from the state’s 31 local government areas.
He also said members of the movement’s planning committee had attended a meeting with the police on September 29 concerning the proposed march.
Smith described the cancellation as an afterthought and said the movement and NDC would not accept similar cancellations in future. He nevertheless urged supporters to remain law-abiding while awaiting details of another rally.
He also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress was responsible for the postponement, a claim not independently established in the report.
The police, however, said the cancellation was based on security concerns and the need to protect public safety during the Independence Day celebrations.
