Police Arrest OK Movement Coordinator During Independence Day March in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Elijah Noah, coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement in the state, after officers moved to stop an Independence Day march in Uyo on Thursday. Police said eight people were arrested during the operation.

The OK Movement is supporting the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 election. The march was planned as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The police had earlier directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions planned for October 1 across Akwa Ibom. The command said it acted on intelligence suggesting that some individuals could exploit political gatherings to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.

Noah was among supporters who gathered for the planned march at Edet Akpan Avenue in Uyo. A video reviewed by Premium Times showed armed police officers surrounding him before taking him to a police vehicle. Witnesses alleged that tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, but the police denied using tear gas or firing any weapon.

Police spokesperson Timfon John said eight people were arrested for allegedly engaging in activities capable of causing a breach of public peace and disregarding security directives. She said the suspects were assisting with investigations and could be prosecuted if found culpable. The command also said no gunshot injuries were recorded.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said the decision followed concerns over a possible clash between the OK Movement and the Peoples Democratic Party, which had earlier received approval for political activities between October 1 and 3. He said the OK Movement later requested approval for a two-million-man march on October 1 using some of the same locations.

Azare said police invited the organisers to a meeting and advised them to reschedule the march. According to him, the OK Movement, including Noah, agreed to the change but proceeded with the march on Thursday. He said the specific intelligence behind the security decision could not be disclosed because it was intelligence-related.

The police action has drawn criticism from political and legal figures. NDC governorship candidate Michael Enyong described the arrests as excessive and called for the release of Noah and other detainees, while lawyer Ekemini Udim argued that security agencies have a responsibility to protect peaceful assemblies. The Obidient Movement also said it had spent more than ₦20 million mobilising supporters across the state for the planned march.

The police said its directive was non-partisan and aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order, while affected political groups were asked to propose alternative dates. The incident has nevertheless renewed debate over the balance between public security and the right to peaceful political assembly ahead of the 2027 elections