The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned all politically motivated rallies across the state, even as official campaigns for the 2027 general elections have yet to begin.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, said the directive is a preventive measure to maintain public order and avert potential security threats linked to early political activities.
Speaking on behalf of the commissioner, the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, explained that the decision followed intelligence reports about planned demonstrations by various political groups.
Some of the groups are reportedly mobilizing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as opposition parties.
One of the groups, identified as “Village Boys Movement,” is said to be organizing a two-million-man march in support of a presidential hopeful.
However, the police have dismissed the plan as unacceptable and warned organizers to abandon it or face legal consequences.
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According to the command, credible information indicates that the planned rallies, alongside another by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Group are scheduled to take place on March 28, 2026, in Uyo.
While one group submitted a formal request, the other allegedly publicized its plans only via social media without notifying authorities.
Despite this, the police made it clear that no approval has been granted for any such gathering.
Authorities warned that any attempt to proceed with the rallies would prompt immediate intervention by law enforcement agencies.
The command emphasized that all political activities must strictly follow the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which regulates when campaigns can officially begin.
It stressed that no political rallies or campaign-related events are permitted outside this approved period.
Reaffirming its stance, the police warned that anyone found organizing or participating in unauthorized rallies would face arrest and prosecution.
The command added that it remains committed to ensuring peace and security across the state and urged political actors and residents to comply fully with the law.
