The Kaduna State Police Command has halted a planned rally by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, reportedly scheduled to coincide with his birthday celebration.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command explained that intelligence reports indicated plans by criminal elements to infiltrate the rally, hijack the gathering, and use it as a platform to incite violence and disrupt public peace.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the decision was taken to safeguard lives and property in the state.
“Intelligence at our disposal revealed that certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to cause disruption, incite violence, and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state,” the statement read.
The police further reiterated that, in line with existing directives, all political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended in Kaduna State until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declares the commencement of political activities.
The statement added, “While the primary elections of political parties are scheduled by INEC to hold on the same date the Obi supporters planned their rally, the Kaduna Police Command notes that such a rally would overlap with and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of party primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and a breakdown of law and order in the state.”
The Command advised the organisers of the planned Peter Obi rally to suspend any gathering or procession in the interest of public safety and to prevent potential hijacking by miscreants.
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It warned that necessary legal action would be taken against any individual or group found violating the directive.
“The Command further notes that political parties have formally notified the police of their scheduled primaries in line with established protocols,” the statement continued.
“It is important to state that the planned rally is expected to interfere with these events, thereby escalating the risk of unrest.”
“While the Command respects the rights of individuals to associate and celebrate their political leaders, it is important to emphasise that all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across the state until the official commencement of political activities, as stipulated by INEC.”
The Kaduna State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and vowed to enforce the law where necessary.