Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, was at the centre of a planned rally in Kaduna State, which has now been halted by the state police command over security concerns and potential threats to public order.
The rally, which was scheduled to coincide with Obi’s birthday celebration, was abruptly called off following intelligence reports suggesting that criminal elements intended to infiltrate the gathering.
According to the police, these groups were allegedly planning to hijack the event to foment violence, disrupt public peace, and incite unrest within the state.
In an official statement, the Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, explained that the decision to stop the rally was not arbitrary but based on credible security assessments.
He emphasized that political rallies and gatherings of such nature remain suspended across the state until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally opens the window for political campaigns and activities.
The police also pointed out that the date selected for the rally coincided with the INEC-approved schedule for political parties to conduct their primary elections in the state.
The Command expressed concerns that holding a rally on the same day as these primaries could lead to overlapping activities, creating confusion, triggering tensions, and increasing the likelihood of clashes between supporters of various political groups.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to association and celebration of political figures, the Command reiterated the necessity of maintaining law and order, especially in a volatile security environment.
Organisers were therefore urged to suspend the rally to prevent it from being hijacked by miscreants and to ensure public safety.
“The Kaduna State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents. We will not hesitate to enforce the law against any individual or group that disregards this directive,” the statement concluded.
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