The Kaduna State Police Command has intervened to halt a birthday rally planned by Labour Party supporters in honor of Peter Obi, citing security threats posed by potential hijacking of the event by criminal actors.
The police’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, revealed that intelligence reports warning of planned disruption motivated the decision. These criminal elements allegedly aim to exploit the rally to ignite violence and disturb the peace.
The police’s directive aligns with a broader suspension of all political rallies and gatherings across Kaduna State as mandated until INEC officially authorizes political events to begin.
DSP Hassan elaborated that the event’s timing coincides with the holding of party primary elections organized by INEC, creating risks of overlapping crowds and heightening tensions in contested areas. This overlap “poses a significant risk of tension, clashes and breakdown of law and order.”
The police have appealed to the rally’s organizers to cancel or postpone the gathering to prevent public disorder, warning that any defiance could lead to arrests and other legal measures.
This measure underscores the police’s priority to maintain peace during the critical election period, ensuring public safety and curtailing potential violence triggered by political activities.