By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has issued a strong advisory against a proposed political rally in honour of Mr. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, warning that such gathering remains unauthorized and poses a security threat to public peace.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police said credible intelligence indicates that some supporters of Mr. Obi are planning a political rally to mark his birthday.
However, the Command warned that political activities and public rallies remain suspended in Kaduna State until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opens the window for campaigns.
“The Command wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that it has received credible intelligence regarding a planned political rally by supporters of Mr. Peter Obi in honour of his birthday,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of association, the Command emphasized that the proposed gathering is not only premature but also susceptible to infiltration by criminal elements aiming to disrupt public peace.
“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicates that certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to incite violence and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state,” it added.
The police further expressed concern that the proposed rally coincides with the scheduled party primaries for the forthcoming bye-election in the state, which have already been formally communicated to the Command by political parties, in line with INEC’s guidelines.
“It is important to state that the planned rally is expected to overlap with and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of other political parties’ primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law,” the statement warned.
In light of these developments, the Command urged the organisers to suspend all planned activities, adding that any such gathering risks legal consequences.
“The 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,” the statement added.
The police also appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies in ensuring peace and order across the state.
