The Kaduna State chapter of the Obidient Movement has announced the cancellation of its planned “Freedom Walk & Fuel Relief Programme” intended to celebrate the 64th birthday of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The decision, communicated by the Coordinator of the Kaduna State Obidient Movement, Yusuf Danbaki, through an X (formerly Twitter) post by Deputy Coordinator Prof. Danjuma Sale (#neurodrdan) on Saturday, cited the need to prioritise peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The event, initially scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, faced persistent scrutiny from security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services.
According to the statement, security officials initiated contact with Danbaki while he was in Abuja, offering advice on safety and preventing potential exploitation by “hoodlums.”
Upon Danbaki’s return to Kaduna, members of the organising committee, including Prof. Danjuma Sale, Daniel Ejembi, Prince Natty Auta, Evans Obi, and Ezekiel Chikwuemeka (Concern), were invited for extensive discussions with security officials at Sabo Police Station.
The meeting, according to the statement, later included the Kaduna State Police Commissioner and the Director of DSS.
During the discussions, security agencies contended that the planned activities constituted an unauthorised political gathering, especially as political primary elections for by-elections were scheduled for the same day.
They expressed concerns that the celebration could create a volatile environment and disrupt the rights of other citizens.
The Obidient Movement committee maintained their stance as law-abiding citizens committed to peaceful conduct.
They asserted their right to contribute resources and assist others without requiring police permission and offered to take responsibility for maintaining law and order.
Furthermore, they proposed modifying the event to include visits to hospitals, IDP camps, and prisons instead of street walks and music, but these alternatives were also rejected by security agencies due to a lack of prior notification.
The meeting concluded without an agreement, prompting the Obidient Movement to suspend the programme.
In his statement, Danbaki, as shared by Sale, articulated the decision, saying “Considering the interest of our principal and the need to preserve peace in Kaduna on this important day, we have decided to suspend the programme.”
The movement called on all Obidients in Kaduna to “remain indoors, pray for our principal, and pray for Nigeria.”
They expressed a belief that the situation is “connected to the rising popularity of our principal and attempts to silence opposition voices,” but affirmed that “our principal’s commitment to peace and order is more important to us and must come first.”
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the Kaduna State Police Command has stopped a planned rally by supporters of
Obi, scheduled to hold in honour of his birthday in the state.
It threatened to take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive.
