In a response to the growing tension surrounding the upcoming mega march in Abuja by former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Presidency has commented on the deployment of security personnel at Abuja City Gate. According to Daily Post Nigeria, military tanks, DSS, police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen taking over the city gate. A video shared by TheCable shows the military tanks and personnel stationed at the city gate. The Presidency, through its spokesperson, Garba Shehu, stated that the security deployment was not targeted at any individual but aimed at maintaining law and order. Shehu added that the deployment was part of the regular security drills carried out by the government to ensure the safety of citizens. The deployment comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will not extend the deadline for party primaries, putting pressure on political parties to finalize their processes. The planned march by Obi and Kwankwaso, both presidential candidates in the 2023 elections, has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the move and others expressing concerns about the potential for violence. The Presidency’s response to the security deployment at Abuja City Gate is a sign that the government is taking the situation seriously and is taking measures to ensure peace and order during the march. According to Garba Shehu, the security personnel deployed at Abuja City Gate are not there to intimidate or harass anyone, but to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of citizens.
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