The Kaduna State Police Command has halted a planned rally organized by supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
It cautioned that it would take “necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive.”
The rally was intended to commemorate Obi’s birthday
Explaining the decision to stop the event, the Command said intelligence reports indicated that “certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to cause disruption, incite violence, and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state.”
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, authorities reiterated that “all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature in Kaduna State remain suspended across the state until the official commencement date of political activities as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
The Command emphasized that the rally was scheduled to take place on the same day as party primaries for a forthcoming bye-election, and that the planned gathering would interfere with other political events already approved.
According to the statement, “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.”
Organizers of the Peter Obi birthday rally were advised to suspend all plans in order to “ensure public safety and prevent potential hijacking by miscreants.”
The statement further clarified: “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.”
While recognizing the right of citizens to celebrate political figures, the Command reiterated: “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 statement concluded with a firm warning: “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.”