…One arrested
CITIZENS COMPASS— The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday, said that constant attacks on his team would not be tolerated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi disclosed this after political thugs attacked his convoy in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said stones were hurled at his team as people fled the scene of the incident.
Obi alongside his wife, Margaret, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar. On their way to a hotel opposite the U.J. Esuene Stadium for a scheduled town hall meeting, the convoy came under attack around the Watt Market Roundabout.
Hoodlums pelted the vehicles and supporters with stones, bottles and other objects. Some cars in the motorcade were damaged, with windscreens shattered. Neither Obi nor Kwankwaso was injured. Cross River police later confirmed that one suspect, 27-year-old Victor Edet Yellow Duke, had been arrested in connection with the attack, with investigations ongoing to identify others involved and any sponsors.
Earlier in the day, security operatives had also intervened to prevent a potential clash between NDC supporters and APC groups near the venue of the town hall. Obi’s media aide Esther Umoh had raised the alarm on social media as the situation developed, posting that thugs were trying to attack the convoy.
Speaking later at the town hall, Obi confirmed the attack. He said his security team reported that the assailants were armed with machetes and other weapons and advised him to take another route. According to him, he refused and insisted on confronting the situation directly.
“APC people were throwing stones at us and people were running away,” Obi stated. “All these things are happening because Nigerians allow it. We’re not going to allow it in 2027.”
He added that when he moved to go down and meet the attackers, they fled. The incident is the second reported attempt to disrupt his campaign movement in recent months, following a similar blockade in Benue State.
The NDC campaign has condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and calling on security agencies and the Cross River State government to investigate thoroughly and prosecute those responsible. Obi’s remarks framed the episode not just as an isolated assault but as a symptom of a deeper problem he says must end before the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has warned political thugs to desist from attacking people.
