UYO, NIGERIA — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the reported arrest of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State following the disruption of a planned political march in Uyo.
Obi said Nigeria’s independence would mean little if citizens could not freely express themselves within the bounds of the law.
He made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Friday, October 2, following the reported arrests of the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Ben Smith, and the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Elijah Noah.
Obi Questions Arrests
Obi said reports that Nigerians were arrested for identifying with the Obidient Movement should concern everyone committed to democracy and freedom.
He argued that political affiliation should not be used as a basis for denying citizens their rights.
The former Anambra State governor also warned against a situation where individuals who once criticised injustice become comfortable with similar actions when they gain positions of authority.
He said independence should translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens.
Police Cancelled October 1 Activities
The controversy followed a directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command ordering political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions earlier approved for October 1.
The command cited security intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. Police Commissioner Baba Azare also said concerns existed over possible clashes between political groups and the ability of security personnel to manage large gatherings.
The directive affected a planned two-million-man march organised in support of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo.
Police Arrest Eight
The planned march was disrupted on Thursday, with the police confirming the arrest of eight people.
The command said those arrested were allegedly involved in acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and had disregarded security directives.
The police denied reports that firearms were discharged during the operation. It also said the arrested persons were being investigated and could be prosecuted if found culpable.
According to Commissioner Azare, organisers had attended a meeting with the command and agreed to reschedule the march before proceeding with the event.
He said the police decision was based on security considerations and intelligence that could not be publicly disclosed.
Ben Smith Reportedly Arrested
Hours after the disruption, Smith was reportedly arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia while accompanying other supporters who were attempting to facilitate the release of detained members, including Noah.
The reported arrest was disclosed by Esther Umoh, a media aide to Obi, who described the development as intimidation.
As of the latest reports, the police had publicly confirmed the earlier arrests but had not issued a separate detailed statement explaining Smith’s reported detention or announcing specific charges against him.
Movement Claims N20m Loss
Before the arrests, Smith criticised the cancellation of the march and claimed that organisers had spent more than ₦20 million mobilising supporters across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.
He also alleged that the police had previously approved the event before directing organisers to reschedule it.
The movement has maintained that it would remain law-abiding and communicate a new date for the march.
The police, meanwhile, said the directive was intended to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order and urged affected political groups to propose alternative dates.
The incident has renewed debate over how security concerns should be balanced with citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and political expression as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
