The Kaduna State Police Command has halted a proposed rally organised by supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing security threats and the risk of public disorder.

The rally, planned to mark Obi's birthday, was called off following intelligence reports indicating that "certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to cause disruption, incite violence, and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state."

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police reiterated that "all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature in Kaduna State remain suspended across the state until the official commencement date of political activities as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)."

The Command further noted that the proposed rally coincided with the date fixed by INEC for political parties to conduct their primary elections in the state. According to the statement, “while the primary elections by political parties are scheduled by INEC to hold on the same date the Obi supporters planned for their rally, the Kaduna Police Command notes that the rally will overlap and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of other parties’ primaries, thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes and breakdown of law and order in the state.”

The Command urged organisers to suspend the planned rally “to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijacking by miscreants.”

While acknowledging the right of citizens to associate and celebrate political figures, the police stressed that the suspension on political gatherings remains in force.

“The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive,” the statement said.