The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of some supporters of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State, saying Nigeria’s independence would mean little if citizens could not freely express themselves within the law.
Obi made the remarks in a statement on Friday while reacting to the arrest of supporters in the state, including the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Ben Smith.
The former Anambra State governor said the detention of Nigerians allegedly because they identified with the Obidient Movement should concern everyone who believes in democracy, freedom and constitutional rights.
“Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear,” Obi said.
“Reports that some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom were arrested simply for identifying with the Obidient Movement should worry every Nigerian who believes in democracy and freedom, especially when such identification is a constitutional right.”
The statement came a day after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested Smith after he reportedly went with other supporters to secure the release of fellow members who had earlier been detained.
Smith was arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia in Akwa Ibom State after he went to seek the release of Elijah Noah, the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, and other supporters.
Noah had earlier been arrested during a planned Independence Day march in Uyo.
Videos from the scene showed armed police officers surrounding Noah and taking him into a police vehicle. Reports also indicated that tear gas was fired as supporters gathered for the proposed march.
The arrests followed an earlier directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command suspending political rallies, meetings and street processions scheduled for October 1.
The command said the decision was based on security intelligence indicating the possibility of disturbances and a breakdown of law and order during political gatherings.
The planned procession, described by its organisers as a “Two Million Man March,” was organised by supporters of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the arrests and the suspension of the procession, Obi warned against a situation where people who once opposed injustice become defenders of the same conduct after attaining positions of authority.
“One of the greatest tragedies of our society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority,” he said.
“Those who once complained about injustice can become comfortable with injustice when it is being perpetrated against people they disagree with. That must not be the Nigeria we accept.”
Obi said Nigeria’s independence should ultimately translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power, stressing that all citizens should be able to exercise their rights without intimidation.
“Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power,” he said.
“Nigeria must belong to all of us.”