The convoy of former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came under attack by suspected political thugs in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The attack reportedly happened around Watt Market Roundabout shortly after Obi visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar and was heading to Metropolitan Hotel for the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
According to reports, the attackers emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley area, throwing stones and other dangerous objects at vehicles conveying Obi and members of his campaign team.
Some of the suspected attackers were reportedly armed with machetes and sticks. Several vehicles had their windscreens smashed, while supporters and passersby ran for safety as panic spread across the area.
The incident also disrupted traffic and commercial activities around the busy Watt Market area.
Police Arrest 27 Year Old Suspect
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the attack.
The police identified the suspect as 27 year old Victor Edet Yellow Duke.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the incident occurred at about 2:20 pm as Obi’s convoy returned from the palace of the Obong of Calabar on its way to Metropolitan Hotel.
Police operatives deployed around the area reportedly intervened quickly, using tear gas to disperse the attackers.
While one suspect was arrested, other suspected attackers reportedly escaped.
The arrested man was subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The police said investigations had commenced to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident, as well as establish whether anyone sponsored the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reportedly directed a thorough investigation into the incident.
The command also assured residents that normalcy had returned to the area and that additional security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations to prevent further violence.
Obi Speaks After Attack
Reacting to the incident, Obi said he witnessed the attack and was advised by his security team to take another route after suspected attackers began throwing stones and displaying weapons.
He explained that his security personnel had warned him about the danger, but he insisted on meeting his supporters.
Obi said the attackers eventually fled after noticing what was happening.
He also condemned the atmosphere of political violence and warned that such incidents should not be allowed to undermine the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former governor maintained that Nigerians would not accept a situation in which political supporters were intimidated or attacked for supporting a particular candidate.
Obi Continues Political Engagement Despite Attack
Despite the incident, Obi proceeded to Metropolitan Hotel, where he was scheduled to attend the NDC presidential town hall meeting.
He had arrived in Calabar alongside his wife, Margaret, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the political engagement.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of political candidates, party members and supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also comes about two months after Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a roadblock and confrontation with youths during a visit to Benue State.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect political activities and ensure that Nigerians can support candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence.
The police have urged members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
