● Police arrest 27-year-old suspect as investigation continues into attack on NDC presidential candidate’s convoy
The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has condemned the attack on the campaign convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring both the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors to justice.
The condemnation followed an attack on Obi’s convoy on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around the Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar, where suspected hoodlums reportedly smashed the windscreens of vehicles in the campaign team.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 5, and signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr., the Obi Media Office described the incident as an unacceptable act of political violence capable of threatening democracy, peaceful political participation and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
The office expressed particular concern over what it described as the exploitation of economically vulnerable Nigerian youths by politicians who allegedly offer them money to engage in violent activities and disrupt democratic processes.
According to the statement, those who finance and organise political violence often remain shielded from its consequences, while the young people recruited to execute such activities risk losing their freedom, future and even their lives.
POMR therefore urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to become instruments of political violence, insisting that their energy and potential should be channelled towards education, productive engagement and responsible leadership.
Police Arrest Suspect
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old man, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the attack.
According to the police, the incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the NDC presidential town hall meeting.
The police said the suspected attackers, reportedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis around Watt Market Roundabout and attacked vehicles within the convoy, smashing their windscreens.
Police spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Akata disclosed that officers responded to the incident and subsequently arrested the suspect, who was transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reportedly directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attack and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police also clarified that the arrest of the suspect did not amount to a determination of guilt, stressing that he remained entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
Obi Recounts Experience
Earlier, Obi confirmed that his convoy had come under attack while travelling through Calabar.
The former Anambra State governor said the attackers began throwing stones after sighting NDC supporters, causing people around the area to run for safety.
He disclosed that his security team advised him to take another route, but he insisted on proceeding to meet supporters before the attackers eventually dispersed.
The incident occurred during Obi’s nationwide political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections. He had travelled to Calabar for a town hall meeting as part of his political outreach.