The Obidient Movement has threatened to mobilise its supporters for nationwide protests if authorities fail to release its Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr Ben Smith, and the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Elijah Noah.
The threat followed the arrest of the two coordinators during a disputed political procession in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, amid a confrontation between security operatives and supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The movement, in a statement issued by its Media and Communications Directorate and shared on its official X account, condemned the arrests as an alleged infringement on the rights of its members to peaceful assembly and political expression.
It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Smith, Noah and any other members still in custody.
According to the movement, the two coordinators and other supporters were arrested while participating in what it described as a peaceful political procession.
It argued that membership of, or identification with, the Obidient Movement could not constitute a criminal offence and accused the police of intimidation and harassment.
“The Obidient Movement strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Ben Smith, the State Coordinator of the OK Movement, Mr Elijah Noah, and other members of the Obidient Movement by the Nigeria Police during a peaceful march,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that the arrests were politically motivated and accused the authorities of attempting to suppress opposition political activities.
“We hold the APC and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command responsible for this needless provocation and demand the immediate and unconditional release of both state coordinators and all our members in custody,” it added.
The movement warned that continued detention or harassment of its members could trigger protests beyond Akwa Ibom State.
“The Obidient Movement will not stand by and watch the fundamental rights of its members trampled upon with impunity,” the group said.
“If the authorities continue to ignore our demands and use the police to intimidate peaceful citizens, we will have no choice but to mobilise our members and supporters for wider protests around the country.”
The arrests came after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions planned for October 1, citing security concerns.
The command said it had received intelligence suggesting that political gatherings could be exploited to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, organisers of the planned two-million-man march had been advised to choose another date because of concerns over possible clashes with other political activities.
Azare said the organisers initially agreed to reschedule the procession but later proceeded with the march.
The police subsequently arrested some participants for investigation, saying those found to have violated the directive could face prosecution.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate has also reacted to the arrests, saying reports that citizens could be detained because of their political affiliation should concern Nigerians who value democratic participation.
He called for a political environment in which citizens can express divergent political views without fear or intimidation.
The planned Uyo march was organised by supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso as part of their political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Obidient Movement, however, insists that its activities are peaceful and lawful and has warned authorities against using security measures to suppress political participation.
The group urged the authorities to act swiftly to prevent the dispute from escalating.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peace for weakness or our restraint for surrender,” the movement said, insisting that its members had the constitutional right to demand accountability, express their views and participate in peaceful political activities.