The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Obidient Movement has alleged that it lost about N20 million following the postponement of a planned solidarity march in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
The march, which was expected to take place in Uyo on Thursday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day, was rescheduled following a directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The police had directed political parties, groups and associations to suspend rallies, processions and other political activities scheduled for October 1, citing security concerns.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said intelligence available to it suggested that some people could take advantage of the activities to cause disturbances and threaten public safety.
The command therefore ordered that all previously approved political events scheduled for the day be moved to another date.
Reacting to the development at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Benjamin Smith, said the group was disappointed by the decision.
Smith alleged that the police had earlier approved the march before subsequently asking the organisers to reschedule it.
He said the movement had spent more than N20 million on mobilisation across the state’s 31 local government areas in preparation for the event.
According to him, representatives of the movement and members of the planning committee had met with the police on September 29 after being invited by the command.
Smith said the police commissioner told them that the command did not have sufficient personnel to secure a gathering involving such a large number of people, particularly because the Peoples Democratic Party had also obtained approval for activities between October 1 and 3.
He said the police were concerned that simultaneous political activities by different groups could result in clashes.
Smith described the postponement as unacceptable, arguing that the organisers had made substantial financial and logistical preparations for the march.
He said, “The Commissioner informed the party and the support groups planning the event that he and his men would not have enough personnel to provide security for two million people marching on the streets of Uyo.”
The movement director further accused the police of violating constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
He said, “We want Nigerians to know that the police have violated the Police Act. It is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution that gives the people the right of freedom of assembly.”
Smith, however, urged supporters of the movement to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying a new date for the march would be announced.
He also warned that the movement and its political partners would oppose any further attempt to cancel the programme when a new date is fixed.
“We would resist it next time the rally is scheduled,” Smith said, adding that adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law was essential for democracy.
The police have maintained that the directive was based on security intelligence and the need to prevent possible disturbances during the Independence Day celebrations.
