The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, His Excellency Peter Obi, and his running mate, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are expected to lead a solidarity march in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The organisers say the event is aimed at mobilising support for Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a target of attracting two million participants.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo ahead of the event, the Chairman of the Media Committee and Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Hon. Elijah Noah, disclosed that the rally was being organised by the NDC in collaboration with the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements (OK).
He said the initiative was designed to strengthen the political movement’s grassroots presence and rally widespread support for Obi’s presidential ambition.
Noah explained that the march was originally scheduled for October 1 but had to be postponed because of security concerns and logistical challenges identified by the organisers. He said preparations for the rescheduled event had been completed, expressing confidence that the gathering would become one of the largest political solidarity rallies ever held in the state.
He called on residents of Akwa Ibom State, as well as Obi’s supporters from other parts of the country, to turn out in large numbers for the march. According to him, the exercise is intended to honour Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate; his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and the party’s governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as Babantan.
The media committee chairman said the rally would also draw attention to the need for credible elections and a political system that guarantees citizens the freedom to choose their leaders without interference. He emphasised that the movement was committed to promoting electoral transparency, accountability and respect for the wishes of voters.
“We are marching in solidarity for a new Nigeria, for free and fair elections, to put an end to ballot snatching and election theft, and to bring about due process in our country,”
Noah further urged Nigerians to take an active interest in the country’s political and governance challenges, stressing that citizens should not remain passive when confronted with issues affecting their collective welfare. He maintained that meaningful national development required public participation and a collective commitment to improving leadership and governance.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr Ben Smith, said the organisers were anticipating participation both physically across Uyo and through online platforms. However, he acknowledged that the proposed two-million-person turnout remained the target set by the movement rather than a confirmed attendance figure.
Smith, who also serves as the NDC’s South-South Zonal Financial Secretary and State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, disclosed that participants would assemble at the Water Fountain along Nwaniba Road, Uyo, from 9 a.m. on Saturday. From the meeting point, the marchers are expected to proceed along designated routes through parts of the state capital.
He clarified that the programme was conceived as a peaceful solidarity march and not a protest. According to him, the organisers have incorporated entertainment and other social activities, including music and dancing, into the programme to encourage participation and foster unity among attendees.
Smith also extended an invitation to opposition political parties and Nigerians from diverse ethnic, social and professional backgrounds to join the exercise. He said the event would provide an opportunity for citizens to collectively express their support for credible elections, responsible leadership and improved governance across the country.
On security and welfare arrangements, Smith said the planning committee had made provisions for transportation, refreshments, medical assistance and internal security. He added that the organisers expected the police and other relevant security agencies to provide adequate protection and maintain order throughout the march.
Hon. Kingsley Okposin, the NDC’s Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary for New Media and Director of Media for the Obidient Movement, appealed particularly to young people to participate in the event. He said the march would provide an avenue to highlight pressing social and economic concerns, including access to healthcare, quality education, good roads, affordable housing and better living conditions for Nigerians.
Israel James, the NDC candidate for Abak State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, said the march should be understood as more than a political show of support for individual candidates. He described it as an opportunity for citizens to express their expectations of government and advocate improved public services and policies that would address their everyday challenges.
Captain Augustine Okon, who identified himself as a veteran member of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State, also pledged to participate in the exercise. He said his involvement would be aimed at encouraging younger supporters and promoting peaceful political engagement as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Other speakers at the press conference included Comrade Ubong Kingsley Young, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He called on residents, including non-indigenes and members of the state’s diverse ethnic communities, to participate in the march, stressing the importance of collective involvement in the country’s democratic process.
The organisers further disclosed that the rally would provide an opportunity to introduce NDC candidates to voters across Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections. They said security agencies would be expected to maintain order and prevent any incidents that could disrupt the exercise.
They also appealed to prospective participants to conduct themselves peacefully, respect public order and demonstrate responsible civic engagement throughout the programme. The organisers urged Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights and participate actively in the electoral process as part of efforts to promote credible elections and accountable leadership.
Reiterating their call for greater public involvement in the country’s democratic affairs, the organisers urged citizens to reject electoral malpractice and remain committed to safeguarding their votes.
” Nigerians must rise up against their challenges and take their destiny in their hands .Say no to electoral manipulations and your votes will count”
