Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed that Nigerians will not tolerate political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections following an alleged attack on his convoy in Calabar, Cross River State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obi made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing supporters at a party town hall meeting, hours after suspected political thugs reportedly attacked his convoy around the Watt Market area of the state capital.
The former Anambra State governor said the attackers began throwing stones at his convoy after sighting NDC supporters, forcing his security team to consider an alternative route.
He, however, said he insisted on meeting the supporters despite the security concerns.
“They were throwing stones, and I saw people running back. And my security people said we should find another way because they have machetes and other things,” he said.
Obi added, “I asked, ‘In Nigeria? I am coming down to go and meet them.’ By the time they saw what was happening, they left.”
He further said, “All these things happened because Nigerians allow it. We are not going to allow it in 2027.”
The incident reportedly occurred as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel, where the party had scheduled its town hall meeting.
A video of the incident showed suspected attackers using stones and other objects to damage vehicles in the convoy, including smashing windscreens and side mirrors. Some supporters reportedly sustained injuries, while a media aide to Obi also shared footage of a person with a gunshot wound, which she attributed to a stray bullet.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke.
The police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said officers deployed around the area intervened, dispersed the attackers and transferred the arrested suspect to the State Police Headquarters for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and arrest other suspects, as well as establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Meanwhile, the NDC condemned the incident and called on the Cross River State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The party described the attack as an attempt to intimidate the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that political violence must not be allowed to undermine democratic participation.
The incident comes about two months after Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a roadblock mounted by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway in Benue State.
Despite the attack in Calabar, Obi proceeded with the scheduled town hall meeting alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
