Peter Obi Condemns Arrests of Supporters in Akwa Ibom, Raises Freedom Concerns

UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE - Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, has condemned the reported arrests of some of his supporters in Akwa Ibom State, arguing that Nigeria’s independence has little meaning if citizens cannot freely express their political views within the law without fear.

Obi made the remarks in a statement reacting to the reported detention of members of the Obidient Movement and the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement following a planned Independence Day procession in Uyo.

“Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear,” Obi said.

He added that reports of Nigerians being arrested for identifying with the Obidient Movement should concern anyone who values democracy and freedom, particularly the constitutional right to political association.

Arrests Follow Disrupted Independence Day March

The controversy followed the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s decision to suspend political rallies, meetings and street processions scheduled for October 1.

Police said the directive was based on security intelligence indicating that political gatherings could potentially lead to disturbances and a breakdown of public order.

The planned event, described by organisers as a “Two Million Man March,” was organised by supporters of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the OK Movement, was reportedly arrested during the planned march.

Dr. Ben Smith, the state coordinator of the Obidient Movement, was subsequently reported to have been arrested after going with other supporters to secure the release of Noah and other detained members.

Videos circulating from the scene showed armed police officers surrounding and taking individuals into police vehicles. There were also reports of tear gas being fired as supporters gathered for the procession.

The police have maintained that their actions followed the directive suspending political gatherings on Independence Day.

Obi Questions the Meaning of Independence

Reacting to the arrests, Obi said political differences should not become a justification for suppressing citizens’ lawful participation in public affairs.

“One of the greatest tragedies of our society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority,” he said.

He added that people who previously opposed injustice can become comfortable with it when it is directed at political opponents.

“That must not be the Nigeria we accept.”

The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria’s independence should ultimately translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power.

Political Freedom Versus Security Concerns

The arrests have renewed debate over the balance between citizens’ rights to political expression and assembly and the responsibility of security agencies to prevent potential disorder during large public gatherings.

Supporters of the Obidient Movement have described the arrests as an infringement on political expression and have called for the release of detained members.

Police authorities, however, have maintained that their intervention was connected to security concerns and the directive affecting political gatherings scheduled for Independence Day.

The competing positions highlight a broader question ahead of the 2027 elections: How should Nigeria protect citizens’ constitutional political freedoms while also addressing legitimate security concerns surrounding large political gatherings?

For Obi, the answer is ultimately tied to the meaning of independence itself.

“Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power. Nigeria must belong to all of us.”