Police Stop Planned Rally By Peter Obi’s Supporters In Kaduna, Vow To Arrest Defaulters

Kaduna State Police Command has stopped a planned rally in support of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The event, which was meant to celebrate Peter Obi’s birthday on Saturday, July 19, was banned over security concerns.

According to the police, intelligence reports suggested that some criminal elements were planning to hijack the rally to cause trouble and disrupt the peace in the state.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police said that all political rallies and gatherings remain suspended in Kaduna until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially kicks off political activities.

The statement said,  ”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 police urged the organisers to call off the rally to avoid public safety risks and to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation.

“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 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,” the statement added.

KanyiDaily recalls that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo recently issued a warning to Peter Obi, telling him to get proper security clearance before making any future visits to the state.