The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the attack on the convoy of former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around Watt Market Roundabout, as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the party had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting.
According to the police, suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy, smashing their windshields.
The police identified the arrested suspect as Victor Duke, 27, who was apprehended following the intervention of security operatives deployed to the area.
The suspect was subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation and to prevent a possible reprisal or further breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
The command also confirmed that normalcy had been restored around the affected area, cautioning against treating the arrest as a determination of guilt before the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.
Obi Narrates Experience, Condemns Political Violence
Speaking after the incident, Obi confirmed that his convoy was attacked while he was in Calabar for a town hall engagement with supporters and other political stakeholders.
The former Anambra governor said some individuals began throwing stones at his convoy after sighting supporters of the NDC.
He explained that his security team advised him to take an alternative route as the situation became tense.
Obi, however, maintained that political intimidation should not be allowed to become part of Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that Nigerians must reject violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Otu Condemns Attack, Orders Security Agencies to Act
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the state’s reputation for peace, hospitality and mutual respect.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, the governor expressed sympathy with Obi and members of his entourage.
Otu maintained that Cross River State remained open to all political parties and candidates seeking to engage peacefully with the electorate, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He described the attack as barbaric and warned that his administration would not tolerate political violence or criminality in any form.
The governor also disclosed that he had directed security agencies to ensure that everyone involved in the attack was identified and brought to justice.
Cross River Government Denies APC Involvement
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has dismissed allegations linking supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the attack.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ekpenyong Cobham, the government described the allegation as unfounded and an attempt to misrepresent the people of the state.
The government claimed that preliminary findings by its agents suggested that the disturbance resulted from an internal disagreement involving individuals within the opposition camp.
It alleged that some aggrieved supporters, who felt abandoned by their political associates, turned against members of their own faction, resulting in the destruction of vehicles.
The government challenged those alleging APC involvement to provide verifiable evidence connecting its members to the incident.
It also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and establish the actual circumstances surrounding the attack.
NDC Demands Accountability
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has also condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to democratic participation and the freedom of political actors to engage with citizens without intimidation.
The party called on the Cross River State Government and security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The NDC further maintained that political disagreements should never degenerate into violence, intimidation or attacks on candidates and their supporters.
Political Violence Raises Fresh Concerns Ahead of 2027
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of political candidates and their supporters as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With Obi undertaking nationwide engagements and town hall meetings, the incident has raised questions about the protection of opposition politicians during political visits across the country.
Although the police have confirmed an arrest, investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and identify other individuals who may have participated.
The development has once again highlighted the importance of protecting political freedom, ensuring equal security for all political parties and preventing violence from undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
