CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE — A wave of political tension has swept through Calabar following a violent ambush on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs armed with machetes, sticks, and stones.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, left several campaign vehicles damaged and multiple supporters injured, throwing the popular Watt Market axis of the Cross River State capital into brief panic.
Ambushed En Route To Town Hall
The incident transpired at about 2:20 p.m. as Obi, accompanied by his wife, Margaret, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was returning from a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar. The delegation was heading toward the Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the party’s presidential town hall meeting, when hoodlums intercepted them.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, mostly dressed in black shirts with their faces covered, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis. They immediately began hurling stones, bottles, and dangerous objects at the convoy, shattering the windscreens and side mirrors of several campaign buses. Reports from the campaign team also indicated that at least one supporter sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, suspected to be from a stray bullet fired during the melee.
“We Will Not Allow It In 2027” — Obi Confronts Assailants
Recounting his personal experience during the town hall meeting hours later, Peter Obi revealed that his security details had frantically urged him to take an alternative route when the armed group blocked the road. However, the former Anambra State governor refused to yield to the intimidation.
“They said people were throwing stones and people were running back, and my security people said, ‘We’ve found another way.’ They had machetes and the rest,” Obi told the audience. “I said, ‘In Nigeria? I’m coming down to video everything.’ By the time they saw what was happening, they left.”
Condemning the incident, the NDC flagbearer blamed the recurring pattern of electoral thuggery on prolonged public tolerance, issuing a stern warning ahead of the upcoming elections.
“All these things happen because Nigerians allow it, but we are not going to allow it in 2027,” Obi declared, assuring his supporters that the NDC movement remains unstoppable.
Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Suspect
The Cross River State Police Command reacted swiftly to the breach, deploying operatives from its violent crime response unit to disperse the hoodlums and restore normalcy to the commercial district.
Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, announced that a 27-year-old male suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was apprehended at the scene.
The police spokesperson assured the public that a thorough investigation has been launched under the directive of the Commissioner of Police to track down the fleeing accomplices and unmask the political sponsors behind the coordinated assault.
