The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Obidient Movement has reported an estimated financial loss of twenty million naira following the last-minute postponement of its planned two million-man solidarity march in Uyo. The event, intended to support the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the upcoming 2027 elections, was originally planned to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.

Police Directive and Security Concerns

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command ordered the immediate rescheduling of all political rallies and public processions scheduled for October 1. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the decision was prompted by credible intelligence suggesting that certain individuals intended to disrupt public peace during the gatherings.

The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, explained during a prior security meeting that the command lacked sufficient personnel to adequately secure a massive street procession while simultaneously managing another major political party's multi-day rally approved for the same period. Authorities cited the high risk of political clashes as the primary motivation for suspending the event in the interest of public safety.

Movement Response and Allegations

During a press briefing in Uyo, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Benjamin Smith, strongly condemned the police directive. Flanked by movement officials and party chieftains, Smith argued that the late cancellation was unacceptable, noting that the group had already invested massive resources into mobilizing supporters across all thirty-one local government areas of the state.

Smith criticized the timing of the announcement, asserting that initial approvals had already been secured before the sudden policy reversal. He maintained that the police action infringed upon citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and warned that any future attempts to unlawfully restrict their gatherings would face strong resistance.