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By Oscar Okhifo
The Kaduna State Police Command has stopped a proposed rally organized by supporters of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in celebration of his 64th birthday.
The rally, which was scheduled to hold on Friday, July 19, in various parts of Kaduna, was part of a nationwide mobilisation tagged “From Compassion to Purpose: Obidients in Action for a New Possible Nigeria.”
However, authorities in the state said the gathering would not be allowed to proceed, citing security threats and political timing.
In a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said credible intelligence indicated that criminal elements planned to infiltrate the event to incite violence and disrupt public peace.
“The Command has received information that some unpatriotic elements may hijack the gathering under the guise of a political rally. We cannot fold our arms and allow any activity that could threaten the safety and security of law-abiding citizens,” Hassan said.
The police also noted that the rally date coincided with political primaries scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state. According to the command, holding such a rally on the same day could create tensions, especially in areas designated for primary elections.
“While citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, all political activities must align with the electoral timetable. Until INEC opens the window for campaigns, all rallies of this nature remain suspended,” the police spokesperson added.
The Obidient Movement, a prominent support group loyal to Obi, had earlier announced plans for nationwide events to mark the former Anambra Governor’s birthday.
These included civic engagements, community service, and advocacy for electoral reforms under the hashtag #PassOurINECReform.
The group had also launched a fundraising drive to finance the logistics for the events. However, following public backlash over transparency and concerns about the motive of the fundraiser, the organisers suspended donation efforts.
Despite the rally ban, several Obidient groups across the country have hinted at alternative means to celebrate the occasion in ways that comply with the law.
As at the time of filing this report, Peter Obi was yet to publicly comment on the situation in Kaduna.