Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Suspect After Attack on Peter Obi’s Convoy in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man following an attack on the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Calabar.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar, as Obi and his entourage were returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the party had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting.

In a statement released by the police, the arrested suspect was identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke. The command said he was apprehended in connection with the attack, while investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly involved.

According to the police spokesperson, Eitokpah Akata, the incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. when a group of suspected hoodlums, reportedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles within the convoy.

The attackers reportedly smashed the windshields of some vehicles. However, the police said the exact number of vehicles affected had not been established as of the time of its statement.

Police personnel deployed around the area reportedly responded to contain the situation and prevent further violence. The arrested suspect was subsequently transferred to the state police headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and apprehend other individuals who may have participated.

The command also emphasised that the arrest of a suspect does not establish guilt, noting that the individual remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

Obi condemns attack, speaks on political violence

Obi, who was in Calabar as part of his nationwide political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, condemned the incident and expressed concern over the growing atmosphere of political intolerance.

Speaking during the NDC town hall meeting hours after the incident, the former Anambra State governor recounted how his security team had advised him to take another route after the convoy encountered the attackers.

He said some individuals began throwing stones at the convoy after sighting NDC supporters, causing people around the area to run for safety.

Obi, however, maintained that he was determined to meet supporters despite the security concerns.

He also criticised the normalisation of political violence in the country, insisting that Nigerians should not allow intimidation to become part of the democratic process ahead of the next general election.

The incident reportedly caused panic around the Watt Market area, with some supporters and passersby fleeing as the attack unfolded.

Reports concerning injuries have also emerged. An aide to Obi alleged that a supporter sustained a gunshot injury, although the police statement did not independently confirm the claim.

Police intervene amid tension between political supporters

Beyond the attack on the convoy, the police also reported a separate security incident involving supporters of the NDC and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.

According to the command, the two groups converged near Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the NDC town hall meeting, as APC supporters conducted a road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

The gathering reportedly created tension, raising concerns about a possible confrontation between supporters of the rival political groups.

Security operatives intervened, engaged members of both groups and appealed for restraint, preventing the situation from escalating into further violence.

The police said normalcy had since returned to the affected areas and assured residents and political stakeholders that adequate security measures would remain in place.

Concerns over political security ahead of 2027

The attack comes as political activities and engagements begin to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Incidents involving political supporters, campaign convoys and rival party groups raise concerns about the safety of candidates, supporters and ordinary residents participating in political activities.

The ability of security agencies to investigate attacks, prosecute individuals found responsible and protect political participation will remain important to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

For now, the Cross River State Police Command says investigations are continuing, with efforts directed at identifying other individuals allegedly involved in the Calabar incident.