STATEMENT ON THE UNLAWFUL ARREST OF OK MOVEMENT AND OBIDIENT COORDINATORS & MEMBERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE.
We strongly condemn the reported arrest of the OK Movement Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State and the Obidient Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State and its members on October 1, 2026.
At a time when Nigeria is fully entering the campaign season ahead of the 2027 elections, citizens must be allowed to freely participate in political activities, engage with their communities, and express their political choices within the law.
We therefore demand the immediate release of both coordinators and members they are being held without lawful grounds. Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and participation in political activities are constitutionally protected rights.
The arrest of political coordinators on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, sends a troubling message about the state of civic freedom in our country.
At a time when Nigerians should be encouraged to participate in democracy, actions that restrict peaceful political engagement are retrogressive and should have no place in a democratic society.
We call on the Nigeria Police Force and the relevant authorities in Akwa Ibom State to respect the constitutional rights of these citizens and ensure their immediate release, or publicly state the lawful basis for their continued detention.
Nigeria’s democracy must protect participation, not suppress it.
Nigeria Will Be OK.
OK Movement