UYO, NIGERIA — Leaders of the Obidient Movement have demanded the immediate release of the movement’s Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr. Ben Smith, and other members reportedly detained following an Independence Day political gathering in Uyo.
The demand followed reports that Smith was taken into police custody after he went with other supporters to seek the release of members who had earlier been arrested during preparations for a planned Independence Day march involving supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Reports from Uyo said the police disrupted the planned procession after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command directed political parties, groups and associations to suspend political rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1. The command cited security concerns and intelligence suggesting that some gatherings could be exploited to cause disturbances.
Smith Reportedly Arrested
According to reports, Smith was arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia after accompanying supporters to facilitate the release of other detained members.
The development followed the earlier arrest of Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, during the planned Independence Day activities.
The reported arrests have generated criticism from supporters of the movement, who maintain that the planned gathering was intended to be peaceful.
The police, however, have said the cancellation of political activities was based on public-safety and security considerations. The command reportedly directed organisers to reschedule activities despite earlier approvals.
Movement Raises Human-Rights Concerns
In the statement supplied by the movement, the State Coordinators Forum condemned what it described as the use of excessive force against participants.
The group alleged that security personnel used tear gas and subjected some participants to mistreatment during the incident.
It called on law-enforcement agencies to operate within the law and ensure that any use of force is necessary, proportionate and consistent with citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Forum also asked authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the arrests and disclose the locations where the detainees are being held.
Group Demands Official Explanation
The movement called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Inspector-General of Police and relevant security authorities to provide an official explanation for the arrests.
It further demanded that authorities ensure due process for anyone taken into custody and release individuals where there is no lawful basis for continued detention.
The group also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission and other independent oversight institutions to investigate the reported incident.
It said any person found to have violated citizens’ rights should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
INEC Timetable Clarification
The Forum’s statement referred to the 2027 electoral timetable while arguing that political activities should be conducted within the legal framework.
However, the specific campaign dates contained in the supplied statement require clarification.
INEC officially released its 2027 General Election timetable on February 13, 2026. Its published schedule set the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
INEC’s official timetable also states that campaigns by political parties must commence on the dates specified by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
Therefore, the claim in the supplied statement that presidential and National Assembly campaigns officially opened in August 2026, and governorship and State Assembly campaigns on September 9, 2026, should not be presented as an INEC timetable fact without further verification.
Commitment To Peaceful Engagement
Despite the confrontation surrounding the Uyo gathering, the State Coordinators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful political participation.
The group said it remained committed to the principles of the National Peace Accord and urged political actors and security agencies to respect democratic processes and citizens’ rights.
It maintained that political disagreements should be handled through lawful and peaceful channels rather than confrontation.
Political Activities Under Scrutiny
The incident comes as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Smith had earlier expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the planned Uyo march, saying organisers had invested significantly in mobilisation, branding and logistics. He also said organisers had previously engaged the police before the command withdrew its approval.
The police, on the other hand, have maintained that their directive was driven by security considerations and applied to political activities scheduled across Akwa Ibom State on Independence Day.
The latest development has therefore placed renewed attention on the balance between political mobilisation, public-order concerns and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections.
