Police and other security agencies have intensified security arrangements in Akwa Ibom State ahead of a planned two-million-man solidarity rally for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The rally, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, in Uyo, the state capital, is being organised by the NDC, Obidient Movement, OK Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement and other support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event is also expected to showcase support for the party’s Akwa Ibom governorship candidate, Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as Babantan.
The organisers said security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful gathering and prevent a breakdown of law and order as supporters and political enthusiasts prepare to participate in the march.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of OK Movement and chairman of the rally’s media committee, Engr. Elijah Noah, urged residents and supporters of Obi across the country to join the exercise.
Noah said the rally was intended to promote the vision of a Nigeria where citizens could freely elect their leaders and have their votes counted.
“We are marching in solidarity for a new Nigeria, for free and fair elections, to put an end to ballot snatching and election theft, and to bring about due process in our country,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to take an active interest in the country’s political development, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to contribute to improving governance.
The rally was initially scheduled for October 1 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day but was cancelled at the last minute by the state Commissioner of Police over security concerns, according to the report.
The rescheduled march is expected to commence at the Water Fountain along Nwaniba Road in Uyo, before proceeding through designated streets in the city.
The chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr Ben Smith, said the organisers anticipated participation both at the physical gathering and through online engagement.
Smith, who is also the NDC South-South Zonal Financial Secretary and State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the event as a solidarity march rather than a protest.
He said the programme would feature music, dancing and other social activities, providing participants with an opportunity to express their political aspirations in a peaceful atmosphere.
Smith also invited opposition parties and Nigerians from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds to participate, saying the rally was designed to demonstrate support for credible elections and better governance.
According to him, the organisers had made arrangements for transportation, refreshments, medical assistance and internal security, while expressing the expectation that police and other security agencies would provide adequate protection.
The NDC State Publicity Secretary (New Media) and Director of Media for the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom, Hon. Kingsley Okposin, also called on young people to participate in the march.
Okposin said the rally would draw attention to issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including access to healthcare, quality education, good roads, affordable housing and improved living conditions.
Similarly, the NDC candidate for Abak State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Israel James, said the event should serve as a platform for citizens to express their expectations for better public services, rather than merely demonstrate loyalty to individual politicians.
A veteran of the Obidient Movement in the state, Captain Augustine Okon, said he would join the march to encourage younger supporters and promote peaceful political participation.
Other political figures, including the NDC state leader, Chief Sunny Ibanga, and the State Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Comrade Ubong Kingsley Young, called on residents, non-indigenes and members of different ethnic communities to participate.
They urged attendees to maintain peace, obey security directives and cooperate with law enforcement officers throughout the exercise.
The organisers reiterated their call for Nigerians to exercise their civic responsibilities and support efforts to ensure credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
