The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with an 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 the Watt Market Roundabout in the Cross River State capital, as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel.
Obi was in the city for a presidential town hall meeting organised as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the police, suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley areas before attacking vehicles in the convoy.
The attackers reportedly smashed the windshields of some vehicles, although the police said the exact number of vehicles affected had not yet been established.
The police identified the arrested suspect as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, aged 27.
The arrest followed the intervention of police officers deployed around the area to contain the situation and prevent further violence.
The incident has attracted attention across the political landscape, particularly as political parties and their candidates intensify activities ahead of the next general elections.
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How the Attack Happened
In a statement issued by the Cross River State Police Command, Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Eitokpah Akata said the incident happened at approximately 2:20 p.m.
He explained that Obi’s convoy was travelling from the palace of the Obong of Calabar towards the Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC presidential town hall meeting was scheduled to take place.
As the vehicles approached the Watt Market Roundabout, suspected attackers reportedly emerged from nearby streets and began assaulting vehicles within the convoy.
The attackers were said to have used machetes and sticks to damage vehicle windshields.
Police officers stationed around the area responded to the incident. The intervention reportedly involved the use of tear gas to disperse the attackers and prevent the situation from escalating.
The police subsequently arrested Duke, while other suspected participants reportedly fled.
The arrested man was taken to the state police headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation.
The police said the decision to move him to the headquarters was also intended to prevent possible reprisals and further breakdown of law and order.
Police Begin Investigation Into Attack
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.
The investigation is expected to identify other people allegedly involved in the attack and establish the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The police also cautioned the public against treating the arrest as proof of guilt.
According to the command, the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until investigations are concluded and any subsequent court proceedings determine the matter.
The command further assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security arrangements remained in place to protect lives and property.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing equal protection to political parties, candidates and their supporters, regardless of their political affiliations.
Peter Obi Reacts to the Incident
Following the incident, Obi described the attack as another troubling example of political intolerance in the country.
Reports indicated that he had been advised by members of his security team to take another route during the tense situation. However, he said he did not want to abandon supporters who were present.
The incident also drew condemnation from the NDC, which called for a proper investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The party maintained that political disagreements should not result in attacks on candidates, supporters or members of the public.
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of political campaigns and public engagements as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Political gatherings are expected to increase across the country as parties organise meetings, rallies and consultations with voters.
Such activities require effective security arrangements to prevent intimidation, violence and disruptions.
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Political Violence Raises Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
The attack comes at a time when political activities are gradually increasing ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The incident has raised questions about the security of political candidates and their supporters, particularly during visits to states where political competition may be intense.
Political violence can discourage citizens from participating in democratic activities and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
The United Nations has also called for peaceful political participation and warned against allowing the next elections to become a source of violence and instability.
For political parties, the incident highlights the need to ensure that supporters conduct themselves peacefully, even when disagreements arise between opposing groups.
Security agencies will also be expected to respond quickly to threats against political gatherings and investigate attacks without political bias.
The arrest of the 27-year-old suspect is an initial development in the investigation, but the police have yet to establish the identities of all those allegedly involved or announce the outcome of their investigation.
As the 2027 elections approach, attention will remain on the ability of security agencies and political leaders to protect democratic participation and prevent violence during campaigns.
The Cross River Police Command has urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.
