Military Tanks, Personnel Stationed at Abuja City Gate Ahead of Obi-Kwankwaso Mega March

Yesterday, security forces positioned trucks and vans near the Abuja City Gate in anticipation of a large rally expected to be led by presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Armed personnel were stationed around the landmark, effectively curbing any gathering at or around the site.

The participating security agencies included representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This increased security was a response to plans for a major march and national rally organized by supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso.

The rally was set to commence at 8am, with the city gate serving as the starting point. A mobilizer of the event, Saint Samson, informed journalists of the challenges faced during the gathering. Samson explained that members arrived at Unity Fountain but were confronted by a heavy security presence, forcing some to be turned away.

The group decided to relocate to another venue to continue their activities. Samson emphasized that the rally aimed to garner support for the candidates and to present their policies to the public, refraining from any opposition or hostility towards the government. He stressed that the demonstration was peaceful and non-violent, asserting that any deployment of security forces to dissuade them was not in line with democratic practices.

Samson further clarified that the objective was to mobilize support for the candidates and to share the NDC's platform with the Nigerian populace, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of their supporters.