Akwa Ibom Police Cancel Two Million-Man Political March

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command cancelled a planned two-million-man solidarity march in Uyo scheduled for October 1, 2026. The event was organized by the Obidient Movement in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso. Commissioner of Police Baba Azare ordered the rescheduling of all political rallies and processions for Independence Day, citing credible intelligence that individuals intended to exploit the activities to cause disturbances.

Commissioner Azare further noted that the command lacked sufficient manpower to secure such a large crowd, particularly as the date had already been approved for a concurrent People's Democratic Party rally. The police maintained that the directive was necessary in the overriding interest of public safety and security.

Benjamin Smith, State Director of the Obidient Movement, condemned the decision as an afterthought and a violation of the Police Act and the Nigerian Constitution's guarantee of freedom of assembly. Smith reported that the movement lost approximately N20 million in mobilization costs across 31 local government areas. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of orchestrating the cancellation to frustrate the opposition, though he urged supporters to remain law-abiding while the movement determines a new date for the rally.