The Kaduna State Police Command has prohibited a planned rally organised by supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in celebration of his birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Command warned that anyone who defies the order and proceeds with the event would face arrest.
Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the ban was based on credible intelligence indicating that criminal elements intended to infiltrate the rally to incite violence and disrupt public order.
“The Command has received intelligence reports that certain individuals plan to hijack the event to cause unrest and undermine the prevailing peace in the state,” the statement read.
Authorities further explained that the rally clashes with political party primaries scheduled for the same day, which had already been formally communicated to the Police in line with INEC regulations.
“Primaries for the upcoming bye-election in Kaduna are set to hold on the same date and in several of the same locations where the rally was to take place. This raises a serious risk of overlap, tension, and possible clashes,” the statement added.
While recognising the right of citizens to freedom of association, the Police reminded the public that political gatherings remain suspended across the state until INEC officially announces the start of campaigns.
“The Kaduna State Police Command is dedicated to ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. Any individual or group that violates this directive will face the full weight of the law,” DSP Hassan warned.
The Command urged organisers to cancel the rally to avoid endangering public safety or allowing it to be hijacked by miscreants.
