NDC Fumes As Police Cancel Obi-Kwankwaso’s Two-Million-Man March In Akwa Ibom
NDC Fumes As Police Cancel Obi-Kwankwaso’s Two-Million-Man March In Akwa Ibom
According to a report by PUNCH on Friday 2 October 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted angrily to the cancellation of a planned two-million-man solidarity march for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Akwa Ibom State.
The event, organised by the Obidient Movement, was expected to take place in Uyo as part of activities marking the Independence Day celebration.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, however, ordered the suspension of all political rallies, meetings, processions and related activities planned for October 1.
The command said the decision followed intelligence suggesting that some individuals could take advantage of political gatherings to cause disorder and threaten public safety.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of Commissioner of Police Baba Azare.
Reacting to the development, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, accused the police of frustrating the planned mobilisation after previously granting approval for the rally.
Smith said the organisers had already invested more than N20 million in mobilising supporters from the state’s 31 local government areas.
He disclosed that representatives of the movement and NDC members on the organising committee had also attended a meeting with the police on September 29 concerning security arrangements for the event.
According to him, the late cancellation caused substantial financial losses for the organisers.
Smith further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress had a role in the postponement, while recalling that the APC had enjoyed opportunities to campaign when it was in opposition.
He nevertheless urged supporters to remain peaceful and obey the police directive.
The Obidient Movement said another date for the Obi-Kwankwaso solidarity rally would be announced, while insisting that future political activities should not be cancelled without proper consideration of the organisers’ arrangements.
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