By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party presidential candidate, popularly known as ‘Obidients’, on Saturday turned out in their thousands for a solidarity rally under the aegis of the ‘Obidient Movement’ at strategic parts in Lagos State.
The ‘Obidients’ also converged in other states including Kaduna, Abia, Edo, amongst others in a rally that coincided with Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day Anniversary.
From the Lagos National Stadium, Surulere to Lekki, and from Ikeja to Festac, many of the supporters on Saturday morning were seen holding the posters of Peter Obi and his running mate for the 2023 presidential race, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed.
Others also had branded vests as they marched around and moved, a situation that caused both human and vehicular traffic around the Stadium axis, from Alaka and Teslim Balogun Stadium and down to Ojuelegba.
Others were sighted rally towards Jakande, Elegushi axis, waving flags, banners and other insignia of Labour Party in what appears to be a move to avoid confrontation with the police and other security agents already stationed at the Lekki Toll Gate.
A Lagos court had on Wednesday ruled against the convergence of the rally on Lekki Toll Gate.
The court also directed the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, to ensure compliance with the order.
Peter Obi, 61-year-old former Governor of Anambra State has gained an increasing support among the youth population in recent times, a development analysts believe poses threats to the dominant political parties, the PDP and APC ahead of the 2023 presidential election.