A solidarity rally in support of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was held after organisers were tear-gassed during their first attempt to march down the street in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State in South-East Nigeria.
Leaders and members of the state Labour Party gathered as early as 9 a.m. along Mile 50 in the capital to show their support for the former Anambra State governor.
The rally, which was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. from the Pastoral Centre along Mile 50 in the state capital, was cancelled after police stationed at the two entry points used teargas canisters to disrupt the organisers.
Despite having a shaky start, the Peter Obi solidarity train moved from the Pastoral Centre along Mile 50 through Enugu Abakaliki Expressway, to the city centre and back to the same venue where it all began.
Meanwhile, Governor Dave Umahi has denied ordering the disruption of the solidarity rally by Obi’s supporters.
“If it is true that the police dispersed people, the answer will surely rest with the police,” said a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Chooks Oko.
In a related development, supporters of Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, staged a solidarity rally in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Saturday.