The Kaduna State Police Command has halted a planned rally organized by supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing security threats and ongoing restrictions on political gatherings in the state.
The rally, scheduled in celebration of Obi’s birthday, was called off following intelligence reports indicating that criminal elements were allegedly plotting to infiltrate the event.
According to the police, the aim was to exploit the gathering to incite violence and disrupt public peace.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police emphasized that all political rallies and similar public gatherings remain suspended across Kaduna State until the official commencement of political activities as outlined 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 Command advised organisers to suspend the rally to prevent the event from being hijacked by miscreants and to maintain public safety.
“The Command further notes that the Parties primaries for the forthcoming bye election in the state are scheduled by INEC to take place on the same date as the proposed rally, and the parties have formally notified the Police of their event, in line with established protocols. It is important to state that 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 statement continued.
“While the Command respects the right of individuals to associate and celebrate their political leaders, it is important to emphasise 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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.”
