The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Osa Director, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating violence, arrests and intimidation against opposition supporters across the country.
Director made the allegation while reacting to the reported arrest of the Obidient Movement Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Ben Smith.
He alleged that the ruling party had resorted to intimidation in an attempt to weaken the NDC and supporters of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, Director questioned why the APC would allegedly target supporters of Obi and members of the opposition party.
He wrote, “Who is afraid of Peter Obi? Why is the ruling APC turning rogue and barbarizing the polity with arrests, intimidation and violence orchestrated against Obidients and the NDC supporters, members and candidates across Nigeria?
“Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. A New Nigeria is POssible. We can do it!”
The NDC spokesperson was reacting to reports surrounding the arrest of Smith by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
According to Esther Umoh, media aide to Peter Obi, Smith was arrested while attempting to facilitate the release of some members of the Obidient Movement who had earlier been detained.
Umoh said Smith was arrested in Ikot Akpan Abia after going to secure the release of Elijah Noah and other supporters.
Noah, identified as the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, was reportedly arrested in Uyo during a planned political march.
Police arrest supporters during planned march
The arrests were linked to the “Two Million Man March,” organised in support of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
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The planned march reportedly took place despite directives from the police advising organisers to reschedule the event.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had raised security concerns surrounding the planned political activities and reportedly deployed officers to maintain order.
According to reports, police officers fired tear gas as supporters attempted to proceed with the march, leading to the arrest of several participants.
The NDC and members of the Obidient Movement, however, described the arrests as an attempt to intimidate supporters of the opposition.
Umoh alleged that Noah was arrested while participating in what she described as a peaceful march.
The development has generated reactions from opposition supporters, who have questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the restriction of the planned political activity.