NDC Protests Police Cancellation of Obi-Kwankwaso Two-Million-Man March in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed displeasure over the cancellation of a planned two-million-man solidarity march in Uyo in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The march, organised by the Obidient Movement, was scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The development followed a directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command ordering political parties, groups and associations to reschedule all rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities earlier approved for Independence Day.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said the decision was based on security intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political gatherings to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to inform all political parties, political groups, associations and other concerned stakeholders that, following credible intelligence available to the Command indicating plans by some individuals to exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace, and in the overriding interest of public safety and security, all approvals earlier granted for political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities scheduled to hold on Thursday, 1st October 2026, anywhere within Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to be rescheduled.”
The State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, criticised the decision during a press conference in Uyo, saying the organisers had already invested substantial resources in preparations for the event.
Smith claimed that more than ₦20 million had been spent mobilising supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas and described the police directive as coming after extensive preparations had been made.
According to reports, the police had also raised concerns about the availability of personnel to adequately secure a large gathering and the possibility of clashes with other political activities scheduled for the same period. Commissioner of Police Baba Azare reportedly said the command could not approve simultaneous political activities that could create a security challenge.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with the cancellation, the organisers urged their supporters to remain law-abiding and said a new date for the march would be communicated.
The police, meanwhile, maintained that the directive applied broadly to political activities scheduled for October 1 and was issued in the interest of public safety and security.
The development comes as political parties and support groups intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom expected to witness increased political activities in the months ahead.
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