Kaduna Police Move Against Obi Supporters, Ban Birthday Rally

The Kaduna State Police Command has warned supporters of the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, against going ahead with a planned political rally in honour of his birthday, citing security concerns and a prevailing ban on political gatherings in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police said they had received credible intelligence suggesting that criminal elements were plotting to infiltrate and hijack the rally to cause chaos and breach the peace.

The police said while they recognised the constitutional rights of individuals to freedom of association and expression, all political gatherings remain suspended in Kaduna State until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially lifts the embargo ahead of forthcoming bye-elections.

The police also pointed out that the same date proposed for the rally coincided with the political parties’ primaries for the bye-elections scheduled by INEC, for which the various political parties had duly informed the Command in line with extant regulations.

According to the statement, the Command fears that any unsanctioned gathering, such as the one proposed by Obi’s supporters, might clash with venues designated for legitimate party primaries, creating tension and the potential for violence.

The statement read in part, “The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that it has received credible intelligence regarding a planned political rally by supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, in honour of his birthday.

“It is important to emphasize that all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across the state until the official commencement date of political activities, as stipulated by INEC.

“The planned rally is expected to overlap with and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of the other political parties’ primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law.”

The Command advised organisers of the planned event to suspend any such gathering, noting that any form of public assembly in honour of Mr. Obi should be put on hold in the interest of public peace and security.

“If they wish to hold any form of event in honour of their principal, it is advised that such activities be suspended to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijack by miscreants.

The Command reiterated its readiness to enforce the law against any person or group that disregards the directive, stressing its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

“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 police spokesman declared.

The warning comes amid heightened political tensions in Kaduna following recent security breaches and fears of politically motivated violence as the bye-elections approach.

The police expressed gratitude to the general public for their cooperation in maintaining peace and order, urging all political stakeholders and their supporters to act responsibly and respect the rule of law.

As of the time of filing this report, organisers of the proposed Peter Obi birthday rally were yet to issue any official reaction to the police directive.