A planned rally in the state by supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was halted by the Kaduna State Police Command. Legal action would be taken against any person or organization found to be in violation of this directive. The purpose of the rally was to commemorate Obi’s birthday.
The Command gave the following justification for the rally’s prohibition: intelligence data at its disposal showed that some criminal elements are preparing to infiltrate and take control of the planned rally, using it as a platform to disrupt the state’s current public peace, incite violence, and cause disruption.
“All political rallies and public gatherings of any kind in Kaduna State will remain suspended until the official start date of political activities, as determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), according to a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
“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 statement reads.
In order to protect public safety and guard against possible hijacking by criminals, the Command advised the organizers of the planned Peter Obi rally to halt any assembly or procession.
“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”.
