By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has directed all political parties, groups and associations to suspend and reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities earlier approved for Thursday, October 1, 2026, citing emerging security concerns.
The Command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said credible intelligence indicated that some individuals were allegedly planning to exploit the scheduled gatherings to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
According to the police, the directive affects all political activities approved to take place anywhere across the state on October 1.
The Command warned political parties, groups and their supporters not to proceed with any activity on the strength of approvals previously granted for the date.
Instead, affected organisations have been directed to liaise with the Police Command and propose alternative dates, which will be considered based on prevailing security circumstances.
The police said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following intelligence assessments suggesting that political gatherings could be exploited to foment trouble, disrupt public order or endanger members of the public.
The Command called on political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and strictly comply with the directive.
It also announced that security agencies would maintain heightened vigilance across Akwa Ibom to safeguard lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police stressed that the measure was precautionary and non-partisan, adding that it was taken in the overall interest of peace, security and public order in the state.
The Command further assured political stakeholders that requests for alternative dates would receive appropriate consideration and reaffirmed its commitment to providing a secure environment for lawful political and civic activities.
The directive was signed by DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, on September 30, 2026.
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