Kaduna Police Halt Planned Rally for Peter Obi Over Security Concerns
The Kaduna State Police Command has cancelled a planned rally in honour of Peter Obi, citing intelligence reports of potential infiltration by criminal elements and the risk of public unrest. The ban on political gatherings remains in force.
Enet
The Kaduna State Police Command has stopped a planned rally by supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing security threats and the potential for public disorder.
The rally, which was intended to celebrate Obi's birthday, was cancelled following intelligence reports suggesting that criminal elements intended to infiltrate and hijack the event to incite violence and disrupt public peace.
In a statement issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police reiterated that all political rallies and gatherings of a political nature remain suspended in Kaduna State until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opens the window for political activities.
The Command also noted that the proposed rally clashed with the INEC-scheduled date for party primary elections, warning that it could interfere with those events and potentially trigger unrest.
“To ensure public safety and prevent hijacking by miscreants, the organisers are advised to suspend the planned rally,” the statement said.
While recognising citizens’ rights to freedom of association and political expression, the police emphasized that the suspension on political gatherings remains in effect.
“The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups who flout this directive,” the statement added.
