CALABAR, Nigeria — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the attack on his convoy in Calabar, Cross River State.
Mr. Obi warned that political intimidation and violence must not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s condemnation followed an incident in which suspected political thugs reportedly attacked vehicles in his convoy.
The thugs damaged windscreens and side mirrors as he travelled through the Cross River State capital for a scheduled presidential town hall meeting alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Watch the video clips below:
Despite the incident, Obi and Kwankwaso proceeded with their political engagement, drawing supporters who gathered in different parts of Calabar to welcome the opposition leaders.
The incident also heightened political tension in the city as supporters of the NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) converged around the town hall venue and adjoining streets.
Obi Recounts Attack on His Convoy
Speaking at the town hall meeting, Obi described the incident and recounted how his security team advised him to take another route.
According to him, suspected attackers allegedly armed with machetes and other weapons approached the convoy.
He said stones were thrown as people ran away from the scene.
According to Obi, his security personnel advised him against proceeding along the route because of the danger posed by the attackers.
The former Anambra State governor questioned why political intimidation should occur in a democratic country.
He warned that Nigerians would not accept violence as part of the 2027 electoral process.
He maintained that political violence must not be allowed to determine who can freely move around the country or participate in legitimate political activities.
Convoy Vehicles Damaged, Suspected Gunshot Victim Reported
Reports from the incident indicated that some campaign vehicles sustained damage during the attack.
A media aide to Obi, Esther Umoh, had earlier raised an alarm on her official X account, reporting that suspected thugs were attempting to attack the convoy.
She subsequently shared a short video showing an injured person being evacuated from the scene, attributing the injury to a stray bullet.
The circumstances surrounding the reported gunshot injury, including the identity of the injured person and the source of the bullet, had not been independently established at the time of publication.
Police Confirm Confrontation Between APC And NDC Supporters
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that tension developed between supporters of the APC and participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting in Calabar.
According to the police, the incident occurred around Metropolitan Hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway.
The NDC was holding its political engagement while APC supporters were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said officers intervened when the two groups converged, engaging their members and appealing for restraint.
The command said its intervention prevented a possible confrontation and restored normalcy in the area.
However, a separate report disclosed that the Obi-Kwankwaso convoy was also attacked around the Watt Market area while returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar.
The newspaper reported that police spokesperson Sunday Akata confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect.
The suspect, identified as Victor Edet Duke, was arrested in connection with the attack.
The circumstances of the suspect’s arrest, the specific allegations against him and whether additional suspects have been identified remain matters for further investigation.
Convoy Attack: Allegations of Political Intimidation
The Calabar incident has generated renewed concerns about political intolerance and the safety of opposition politicians as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
Critics have alleged that political thuggery and intimidation are becoming increasingly prominent in the country’s political environment.
Some are accusing the ruling APC of benefiting from or encouraging hostile activities against opposition figures.
However, allegations of state sponsorship or direct involvement by the APC in the Calabar attack have not been independently established.
The police investigation will be important in identifying those responsible and determining whether the incident was politically organised.
The opposition has also questioned the effectiveness and neutrality of security agencies in protecting political actors and ensuring that campaign activities are conducted without intimidation.
Political Violence Must Not Become an Instrument of Electoral Competition
The incident raises broader questions about the protection of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly.
Sections 40 and 41 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantee citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association, as well as freedom of movement, subject to lawful restrictions.
Political candidates and their supporters are entitled to campaign, organise meetings and engage voters without threats or unlawful obstruction.
The responsibility for protecting these rights rests primarily with the relevant security agencies.
They are expected to operate professionally and without partisan interference.
The authorities must also ensure that perpetrators of political violence are investigated and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliations.
Previous Convoy Attack in Benue Raises Further Concerns
The Calabar development comes less than two months after another confrontation involving Obi‘s convoy in Benue State.
On September 8, 2026, youths reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway during his visit to the state.
The former Anambra governor had intended to visit Yelwata to commiserate with families affected by the June 2025 killings.
The Benue State Government denied allegations that it deployed thugs to obstruct the visit, describing the accusations as unfounded.
However, the Benue State Police Command subsequently announced the arrest of 46 suspects in connection with the incident.
The recurrence of security incidents involving opposition political movements has intensified calls for stronger protection of political freedoms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Developing Story
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed its intervention during the confrontation between APC and NDC supporters.
A separate report indicates that one suspect has been arrested over the attack on Obi’s convoy.
However, the identities of all those involved, the motive behind the attack and any possible political sponsorship remain subjects requiring investigation.
This Dawn News will continue monitoring the police investigation and reactions from the APC, NDC and Cross River State Government.
The central issue remains clear:
“Political disagreements must be settled through democratic competition, not violence, intimidation or attacks on the freedom of Nigerians to participate in the electoral process.”
