Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have stopped a planned rally by supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the state.
The police also warned that they would take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating the order.
DAILY POST gathered that the rally was billed to be held in honour of Obi’s birthday celebration.
The police, while stating the reason for banning the rally, said that intelligence information at their disposal disclosed 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 command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement, said all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature in Kaduna State remain suspended across the state until the official commencement date of political activities as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“While the primary elections by political parties are scheduled by INEC to hold on the same date the Obi supporters planned for their rally, the Kaduna Police Command notes that the rally will overlap and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of other parties’ primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law and order in the state.
“The Kaduna State Police 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 said.
The Command urged organisers of the planned Peter Obi rally to suspend any gathering or procession to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijacking by miscreants.
