The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong anger over the police cancellation of a planned two-million-man march organised by the Obidient Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The solidarity march was scheduled to hold in Uyo on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.State Commissioner of Police Baba Azare had issued a directive warning all political parties, groups and associations to stop any rallies or street processions on Independence Day.
The police cited credible intelligence indicating plans by some individuals to exploit political activities to cause disturbances, as well as a shortage of manpower to control large crowds.
In a statement, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said that in the overriding interest of public safety and security, all earlier approvals for political rallies, meetings, processions and related activities scheduled for October 1 within the state were directed to be rescheduled.
Reacting at a press conference, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, accused the police of frustrating the planned march. He noted that the same commissioner had earlier granted approval for the event.
Smith said the organisers, including members of the planning committee, honoured a police invitation on September 29.
He estimated the financial loss from the cancellation at about N20 million, spent on mobilisation of supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas.
Accompanied by officers of the Obidient Movement and NDC chieftains, Smith insisted that the movement and the party would not accept further cancellations of their activities in the future.