The Kaduna State Police Command has banned a planned rally by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, citing security concerns and potential disruption by criminal elements.
The police action comes as members of the Obidient movement had organized the rally to celebrate Obi’s birthday in the northwestern state. However, the Command announced it would take legal action against anyone who proceeds with the gathering despite the prohibition.
DSP Mansir Hassan, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, issued a statement explaining that intelligence reports indicated criminal elements were planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally. The police warned that such infiltration could lead to disruption, violence, and disturbance of public peace in the state.
The Command emphasized that all political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across Kaduna State until the official commencement of political activities as determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“While the Primary elections by political parties are scheduled by INEC to hold on the same date the obi supporters planned for their rally, the Kaduna police command notes that the rally will overlap and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of other parties primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes and breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement read.
The police highlighted a scheduling conflict, noting that political party primaries for an upcoming bye-election are scheduled for the same date as the proposed Obi rally. According to the Command, political parties have formally notified police of their primary elections in accordance with established protocols.
Hassan explained that the planned rally would overlap with and disrupt areas designated for conducting other political parties’ primaries, creating significant risks of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law and order.
“The Command advised organisers of the planned Peter Obi rally to suspend any gathering or procession to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijacking by miscreants,” the statement continued.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to associate and celebrate their political leaders, the police stressed that current regulations prohibit political rallies and gatherings until INEC officially commences political activities for the electoral cycle.
The Command concluded by reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property of all Kaduna State residents. “The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive,” the statement warned.
