2027: Security Beefed Up As Obi, Kwankwaso Prepare For 2m-Man Rally In Akwa Ibom

Police and other security agencies have stepped up security arrangements ahead of the two-million-man solidarity rally for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, in Akwa Ibom State.

The organisers said measures had been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure a peaceful gathering as party members, supporters and admirers of the two politicians prepare to converge on Uyo, the state capital.

The rally is being organised by the NDC, the Obidient Movement, OK Movement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement and other support groups to express solidarity with Obi, Kwankwaso and the party’s Akwa Ibom governorship candidate, Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as Babantan, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisers also said the event would provide a platform to promote electoral credibility, good governance and citizens’ participation in the democratic process.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the rally, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of OK Movement and chairman of the event’s media committee, Engr. Elijah Noah, called on residents of the state and Obi’s supporters across the country to participate in the exercise.

Noah said the march was being organised in honour of Obi, Kwankwaso and Enyong, adding that it would 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 not to remain indifferent to the country’s challenges, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to participate in efforts to improve governance.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the rally was initially scheduled for October 1 to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations but was cancelled at the last minute by the state Commissioner of Police, who cited security concerns.

The rescheduled event is expected to begin at the Water Fountain along Nwaniba Road in Uyo, from where participants will proceed through designated streets in the state capital.

The chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr Ben Smith, said the organisers expected participation both on the streets of Uyo and through online engagement.

Smith, who is also the South-South Zonal Financial Secretary of the NDC 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, adding that the organisers intended to provide a peaceful atmosphere for participants to express their political aspirations.

Smith also invited opposition parties and Nigerians from different ethnic and professional backgrounds to participate, saying the rally was intended to demonstrate support for credible elections and improved governance.

According to him, arrangements had been made for transportation, refreshments, medical assistance and internal security, while the organisers expected the police and other security agencies to provide protection throughout the exercise.

The NDC’s Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary (New Media) and Director of Media for the Obidient Movement, Hon. Kingsley Okposin, appealed to young people to participate in the rally.

Okposin said access to healthcare, quality education, good roads, affordable housing and improved living conditions were among the issues the organisers wanted to highlight.

The NDC candidate for Abak State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Israel James, said the march should be viewed as a platform for citizens to express their aspirations for improved public services rather than merely demonstrate support for individual politicians.

Captain Augustine Okon, who described himself as a veteran of the Obidient Movement in the state, said he would participate in the march to encourage younger supporters and promote peaceful political engagement.

Other speakers, including the NDC state leader, Chief Sunny Ibanga, and the State Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Comrade Ubong Kingsley Young, urged residents, non-indigenes and members of different ethnic communities to join the exercise.

They appealed to participants to conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with security personnel throughout the march.

The organisers also urged Nigerians to exercise their civic responsibilities by participating in the electoral process and supporting efforts to promote credible elections.