2027: Obi, Kwankwaso storm Uyo for two million-man solidarity march

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, and his running mate, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are expected to join party members and supporters on Saturday, October 24, for a proposed two-million-man solidarity march in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The rally, organised by the NDC in collaboration with the Obidient Movement, OK Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement and other support groups, is aimed at mobilising support for Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition and promoting electoral credibility.

The march was initially scheduled for October 1 but was postponed due to security concerns and logistical challenges, according to the organisers.

They said preparations had been concluded for the rescheduled event, which they described as a major political gathering in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the OK Movement and Chairman of the event’s Media Committee, Engineer Elijah Noah, called on residents and Obi’s supporters across the country to participate in the march.

Noah said the event was being organised in solidarity with Obi, Kwankwaso and the NDC’s Akwa Ibom governorship candidate, Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as Babantan.

He explained that the march was intended to promote a Nigeria where citizens could freely elect their leaders and have their votes counted.

“We are marching in solidarity for a new Nigeria, for free and fair elections, to put an end to ballot snatching and election theft, and to bring about due process in our country,” Noah said.

He urged Nigerians not to remain indifferent to the country’s challenges, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to participate in efforts to improve governance.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr Ben Smith, said the organisers were targeting massive participation both physically on the streets of Uyo and through online platforms.

Smith, who is also the NDC’s South-South Zonal Financial Secretary and State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the march would commence at 9 a.m. from the Water Fountain along Nwaniba Road, Uyo, before participants proceed through designated streets in the state capital.

He described the gathering as a solidarity march rather than a protest, explaining that it would feature music, dancing and other social activities.

Smith invited opposition political parties and Nigerians from different ethnic, professional and social backgrounds to participate, noting that the event was intended to demonstrate collective support for credible elections and improved governance.

According to him, arrangements had been made for transportation, refreshments, medical assistance and internal security. He added that the organisers expected the police and other security agencies to provide protection throughout the exercise.

The NDC’s Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary (New Media), Hon. Kingsley Okposin, who is also Director of Media for the Obidient Movement, appealed to young people to participate in the march.

He said the event would draw attention to issues affecting citizens, including access to healthcare, quality education, good roads, affordable housing and improved living conditions.

Similarly, Israel James, the NDC candidate for Abak State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, said the march should be viewed as an opportunity for citizens to express their aspirations for better public services, rather than merely an endorsement of individual politicians.

Captain Augustine Okon, who described himself as a veteran of the Obidient Movement in the state, said he would participate to encourage younger supporters and promote peaceful political engagement.

Another speaker, Comrade Ubong Kingsley Young, the state coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, called on residents, including non-indigenes and members of different ethnic communities, to join the exercise.

The organisers said the march would also provide an opportunity to introduce NDC candidates to voters in Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They assured participants that measures had been put in place to promote security and prevent clashes, while urging everyone to conduct themselves peacefully.

The organisers further called on Nigerians to exercise their civic responsibilities by participating in the electoral process and supporting efforts to ensure credible elections.