Peter Obi has said his November 4, 2026, visit to Calabar was part of a nationwide series of townhall meetings, where he and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso listened to residents and discussed Cross River State’s economic prospects.
Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027, led Cross River NDC candidates, party members and supporters on a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, before the town hall.
Obi said the traditional ruler offered advice, prayers and blessings.
Economy and Public Welfare Issues
At the town hall, participants raised questions about reviving the Calabar Port, restoring Cross River’s tourism sector, security, the economy and public welfare.
Peter Obi said an NDC-led government would prioritize national unity and security, invest in education and healthcare, and work to reduce poverty.
He pledged to make the Calabar Port operational alongside other ports in the Niger Delta.
On tourism, Obi recalled Calabar and Obudu’s former appeal to Nigerian and international visitors.
He promised to work to restore Cross River as a leading destination.
He added that, if elected president, he would spend his holidays at the state’s tourism sites, saying the visits could help bring business to the local economy.
Political Tension in Calabar as Peter Obi Visits
The visit by Peter Obi took place amid political tension in Calabar.
News reports said police intervened to prevent a possible confrontation between NDC and APC supporters near the town hall area.
Peter Obi also alleged that people threw stones at his convoy.
That account, attributed to Obi, has been independently established in the reports cited here.
Against that backdrop, Obi urged supporters to be ready to defend their votes on election day.
He cited what he described as continued government hostility.
He thanked attendees, organizers and Cross River residents for their welcome.
The event continues Obi’s grassroots engagements ahead of the 2027 election.
He ran for president under the Labour Party in 2023 and is now the NDC’s presidential candidate; Kwankwaso is his running mate.
