Kaduna State, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command has prohibited a planned rally by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, which was scheduled to commemorate his birthday in the state.
The Command, in an official statement released by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, explained that intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements were plotting to infiltrate the event to cause disruptions, incite violence, and disturb the public peace.
“Intelligence information available to us reveals that certain criminal elements intend to hijack the proposed rally to instigate chaos and compromise public safety,” the statement read.
Additionally, the police cited the ongoing political party primaries for upcoming by-elections, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the same date as the proposed rally. The Command noted that these overlapping events risked clashes, heightened tension, and a potential breakdown of law and order, especially in areas designated for the primaries.
“The primaries notified to us by political parties coincide with the date of the rally. Overlapping events in such sensitive periods could disrupt the primaries and pose risks of confrontation,” the Command stated.
The Kaduna State Police emphasized that all political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across the state until the official commencement of election activities as prescribed by INEC.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police urged Obi’s supporters to suspend the planned gathering to prevent any possible exploitation by miscreants.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will not hesitate to enforce the law against any individual or group that flouts this directive.”
The statement underscores the Command’s resolve to maintain peace, security, and political neutrality in Kaduna State during this sensitive political period.
