The Kaduna State Police Command has halted a birthday rally planned in honour of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warning that any attempt to go ahead with the gathering will be met with legal consequences.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Saturday, the police said the decision was based on credible intelligence indicating that certain troublemakers were plotting to hijack the rally to stir unrest and threaten public peace.
The statement noted that political gatherings across Kaduna remain suspended until the electoral body, INEC, formally allows political campaigns to begin.
The police also expressed concern that the proposed rally coincides with the date scheduled by INEC for party primaries ahead of an upcoming bye-election.
According to the command, some political parties had already notified law enforcement of their planned activities, which are expected to take place in several parts of the state on the same day.
Authorities feared that the Obi supporters’ rally could interfere with these events, potentially triggering clashes and heightening tensions in affected areas.
While the police acknowledged the right of citizens to associate and celebrate their political leaders, they stressed that public order and safety take priority.
The command reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the security of all residents and warned that any breach of this directive would attract appropriate legal action.