Kaduna Police Ban Peter Obi Supporters’ Rally Over Security Threat

 The Kaduna State Police Command has prohibited a planned rally organized by supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, which was scheduled to take place in the state in celebration of his birthday.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police cited security concerns as the reason for the decision. Intelligence reports, according to the Command, indicated that criminal elements were planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, potentially using it as a platform to incite violence and disrupt public peace.

The statement emphasized that all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended in Kaduna State until the official commencement of political activities as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“While the primary elections by political parties are scheduled by INEC to hold on the same date as the proposed rally, the Kaduna Police Command notes that such a gathering could overlap and interfere with activities at venues designated for other parties' primaries, posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and a breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.

The police further explained that several political parties had formally notified the Command of their primaries on the same day, in line with established security protocols. However, the organizers of the Peter Obi rally had not received formal approval.

The Command urged the rally organizers to suspend any form of procession or public gathering in the interest of public safety and security. It also reiterated that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or group that flouts this directive.

“While the Command respects the rights of individuals to associate and celebrate their political leaders, the overriding concern remains the protection of lives and property,” the statement concluded.