By Samuel Nworah
The campaign convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), came under attack in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, November 4, in an incident that has heightened concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The attack occurred around the popular Watt Market Roundabout as Obi and his delegation were returning from a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, to Metropolitan Hotel, where the party had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting.
Obi was accompanied by his wife, Margaret, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during the political engagement in the Cross River State capital.
According to reports, suspected hoodlums emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy with stones, sticks and other dangerous objects. Some of the vehicles reportedly had their windscreens and side mirrors smashed.
The incident caused panic in the area, with supporters and passers-by reportedly scrambling for safety.
*Police Confirm Attack, Arrest Suspect*
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke.
In a statement, the police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the attack occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday as Obi’s convoy was returning from the Obong of Calabar’s palace.
According to the police, officers deployed around the area responded to the incident, while other suspected participants fled.
The arrested suspect was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation and to prevent possible reprisals or further breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police also cautioned against treating the arrest as proof of guilt, emphasising that the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.
*Obi Speaks After the Attack*
Obi later addressed the incident during the NDC town hall meeting, where he described how his security personnel had advised him to take another route after the attackers emerged.
He said he had initially wanted to get down from his vehicle and confront the people throwing objects at the convoy, but his security team persuaded him to change direction.
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern about the persistence of political violence and argued that such incidents continued because Nigerians had allowed them to become part of the country’s political environment.
He maintained that political disagreements should not be settled through intimidation or violence and called for a political culture in which candidates and their supporters can freely participate in democratic activities.
The NDC also condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, including identifying anyone who may have organised or financed the perpetrators.
However, there is no established evidence identifying any political party or individual as the sponsor of the Calabar attack.
*Sokoto ADC Rally Also Marred by Violence Allegations*
The Calabar incident occurred on the same day the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, where reports of attacks on supporters travelling to the rally also raised security concerns.
The party’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, eventually addressed supporters at the campaign event after days of uncertainty surrounding the rally’s venue and security arrangements.
According to reports by Daily Trust, at least two people believed to be ADC supporters were allegedly shot along the Sokoto-Wurno Road while travelling towards the rally venue.
The reports indicated that the incident followed a confrontation involving occupants of a vehicle conveying supporters and operatives of the Sokoto State Community Guards, who had reportedly barricaded the road.
The victims were said to have sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident in Tambuwal Local Government Area, vehicles conveying ADC supporters were reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs.
One driver, Buhari Muhammad Gunzu, told journalists that attackers had barricaded a road with burning tyres, stones and pieces of wood, preventing vehicles from proceeding towards the rally.
Another witness, Mubarak Faruk Tambuwal, alleged that the attackers questioned travellers about their destination and threatened to smash their vehicles if they were heading to the ADC event.
However, the Sokoto State Police Command had not confirmed the alleged shooting when contacted by journalists. Its spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command had not received information about the incident and could not independently confirm it.
The allegations therefore remain subject to further official clarification.
*Growing Concerns Ahead of 2027*
The incidents in Calabar and Sokoto have renewed concerns about the safety of political candidates, party supporters and other participants in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Although political competition is an essential feature of democracy, attacks on campaign convoys, intimidation of supporters and alleged interference with political gatherings threaten the freedom of citizens to associate with political parties of their choice.
The concern is particularly significant as political parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Security agencies will be expected to investigate reported attacks promptly, identify those responsible and ensure that political activities can take place without intimidation.
The Cross River Police Command’s arrest of a suspect represents an initial step in the investigation of the Calabar incident. However, establishing the full circumstances and apprehending other persons allegedly involved will be necessary to ensure accountability.
For Nigeria’s democracy, the message should be clear: political differences must be resolved through debate, persuasion and the ballot box, not violence.
