Obidient Movement accuses police of political intimidation over Uyo march

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement, a political support group aligned with Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of using its powers to suppress opposition activities following the disruption of an Independence Day march in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The movement, in a statement signed by its Media and Communications Directorate and titled “Democracy in Chains: This Foolish Provocation by the APC and Nigeria Police Must Be Unveiled,” alleged that the police had colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition supporters.

The group said the reported arrest and dispersal of its members during the planned march amounted to an infringement on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

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It argued that citizens exercising constitutional rights should be protected by the police rather than subjected to intimidation, harassment or arrest.

The movement accused the police of acting as an instrument of political oppression and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its coordinators and other members in custody.

It also called for an end to what it described as intimidation and harassment of members of the Obidient Movement and other opposition groups.

The group said the incident raised concerns about what it described as selective policing and warned that continued restrictions on peaceful political activities could deepen public frustration.

The movement further said it would mobilise its members and supporters for wider protests if the authorities failed to address its demands, while insisting that its commitment to peaceful political engagement should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Democracy cannot survive where peaceful protesters are treated as criminals. The APC and the Nigeria Police must end this foolish provocation immediately,” the statement said.

Police cite security concerns

The development followed a directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command ordering political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions planned for Oct. 1.

The command said the directive was based on intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. It also cited concerns about the ability of security personnel to manage large gatherings.

Police subsequently arrested eight people during the attempted Uyo march, according to the command, which said the suspects were being investigated for allegedly engaging in acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and disregarding lawful security directives.

The police denied reports that firearms were discharged during the operation and said no shooting incident was recorded.

The Obidient Movement, however, maintained that the march was peaceful and questioned the decision to stop the event, saying organisers had already invested more than N20 million in mobilisation and logistics across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.

The confrontation has renewed debate over how security concerns should be balanced with citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.