Obi’s supporters bow to pressure, suspend planned Kaduna rally

Obi

The Kaduna State chapter of the Obidient Movement has announced the cancellation of its planned “Freedom Walk & Fuel Relief Programme” intended to celebrate the 64th birthday of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The decision, communicated by the Coordinator of the Kaduna State Obidient Movement, Yusuf Danbaki, through an X (formerly Twitter) post by Deputy Coordinator Prof. Danjuma Sale (#neurodrdan) on Saturday, cited the need to prioritise peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The event, initially scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, faced persistent scrutiny from security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services.

According to the statement, security officials initiated contact with Danbaki while he was in Abuja, offering advice on safety and preventing potential exploitation by “hoodlums.”

Upon Danbaki’s return to Kaduna, members of the organising committee, including Prof. Danjuma Sale, Daniel Ejembi, Prince Natty Auta, Evans Obi, and Ezekiel Chikwuemeka (Concern), were invited for extensive discussions with security officials at Sabo Police Station.

The meeting, according to the statement, later included the Kaduna State Police Commissioner and the Director of DSS.

During the discussions, security agencies contended that the planned activities constituted an unauthorised political gathering, especially as political primary elections for by-elections were scheduled for the same day.

They expressed concerns that the celebration could create a volatile environment and disrupt the rights of other citizens.

The Obidient Movement committee maintained their stance as law-abiding citizens committed to peaceful conduct. Punch