The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed anger over the police cancellation of a planned two-million-man march for presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo.
State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, issued a statement warning all political parties to halt rallies or street marches on Independence Day.
The police cited a lack of manpower to control such a crowd. The order, signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John, directed that all approvals for political processions scheduled for October 1, 2026, be rescheduled.
Obidient Movement Says Rally Cost ₦20m To Plan
State Director of the Obidient Movement, Dr Benjamin Smith, called the cancellation an afterthought, saying the police commissioner had earlier approved the rally.
He said the movement had spent over ₦20 million mobilising supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas.
Smith said the group had honoured a police invitation on September 29 to discuss the planned march. He estimated the financial loss from the cancellation at ₦20 million and said the movement and the NDC would not accept further cancellations.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the postponement, noting the party was once in opposition and had been allowed to campaign freely.
Obi Pledges One-Term Presidency, Measurable Governance
Meanwhile, Obi used his Independence Day address to pledge that, if elected in 2027, he would serve only one four-year term. He said his administration would make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of Nigerians.
“My message today is not one of despair. It is a message of hope, determination and responsibility. I dare to proclaim with full assurance that a new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said.
He pledged to confront insecurity decisively so farmers can return to their farms and children to school. “No Nigerian should be forced to live in an IDP camp because his or her government has failed to provide security,” he said.
The former governor also promised to shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy toward one focused on jobs, agriculture and manufacturing.
He cited a recent visit to an internally displaced persons camp in Ramin Kura, Sokoto, as evidence of the hardship facing many Nigerians.
“The political leaders have failed our country and, most importantly, we have failed our children. This must change,” he said.
The second-time presidential candidate further pledged to spend his holidays within Nigeria if elected, visiting states such as Zamfara, Borno and Kwara to “listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience.”
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