By Obah Sylva
The attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Calabar has prompted sharply different accounts from the Cross River State Government and opposition supporters. The November 4 incident occurred during Obi’s visit ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The state government has linked the violence to alleged dissatisfaction among NDC members, while Obi and his supporters have raised concerns about political thuggery and possible outside intimidation. Police say investigations are ongoing.
Key Highlights
- Suspected hoodlums attacked Peter Obi’s convoy near Watt Market in Calabar on November 4, 2026.
- Police arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, while other suspects reportedly fled.
- Cross River Information Commissioner Ekpenyong Cobham said preliminary findings pointed to dissatisfied NDC members.
- Obi and supporters raised concerns about political violence and intimidation.
- Governor Bassey Otu condemned the attack and directed security agencies to find those responsible.
- Responsibility and motive remain disputed as police investigate.
How Peter Obi’s convoy was attacked in Calabar
Obi, who is running alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, was in Calabar for a town hall meeting as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.
The incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on November 4 at Watt Market Roundabout, as the convoy returned from a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar and headed towards Metropolitan Hotel. The NTA report on the police account said suspected attackers armed with machetes and sticks emerged near the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and damaged windscreens on vehicles in the motorcade.
The Cross River State Police Command arrested a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, while other suspects reportedly escaped. The arrest is not a determination of guilt, and the investigation remains open.
Obi later said people threw stones at the convoy after noticing NDC supporters. He said his security team advised him to use an alternative route, a suggestion he initially resisted. He condemned the incident as an example of political violence Nigerians should reject ahead of the 2027 elections.
Police also said officers intervened to prevent a wider confrontation between NDC supporters and APC members who were reportedly conducting a separate road walk in the area.
Cross River Government blames alleged NDC internal disagreement
Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation Ekpenyong Cobham appeared on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on November 6, where he disputed claims that APC supporters were responsible. He described the NDC as “absolutely nonexistent” in the state and said preliminary information pointed to members of the opposition party.
Cobham linked the incident to alleged problems with the NDC’s mobilisation arrangements and suggested some grassroots mobilisers may have been dissatisfied over financial expectations. The Cross River State Government’s statement also denied APC involvement and attributed the disturbance to internal grievances in the opposition camp.
The commissioner challenged those alleging APC responsibility to provide evidence. The government has maintained that Cross River is peaceful and welcoming. Its account is the government’s position; police have not yet publicly established the identities or political affiliations of all those involved.
Governor Bassey Otu condemns the attack
Governor Bassey Otu condemned the attack as barbaric and inconsistent with Cross River State’s values. He expressed sympathy with Obi and his team and directed security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Some NDC leaders reportedly said they did not want to heighten political tension after the governor’s response. His condemnation, however, has not resolved the dispute over responsibility for the attack.
Supporters trade claims on social media
Reactions on X and other social platforms have been divided. Some NDC supporters rejected Cobham’s claim that the attackers were dissatisfied members of their own party, while others said his description of the NDC as nonexistent conflicted with the party’s ability to mobilise in Calabar.
Some commentators circulated images and videos of damaged vehicles and alleged the attackers were aligned with the ruling party. Others supported the government’s explanation and argued that the incident may have resulted from internal NDC disagreements.
The presence of an APC road walk in the same area also featured in the online debate. These competing claims have not independently established the identities or motives of everyone involved.
Convoy attack raises concerns ahead of the 2027 elections
The Calabar incident has renewed concerns about political thuggery and the safety of opposition candidates and supporters. Attacks and intimidation can undermine participation and discourage political competition.
It also highlights the need for impartial security arrangements when rival parties hold events in the same area. The NDC has raised questions about the safety of its candidates, while the state government faces calls to ensure a transparent investigation and accountability regardless of political affiliation.
Read also:
- Police Arrest Suspect Over Peter Obi’s Convoy Attack in Calabar
- Thugs Disrupt Obi’s Visit To Cross River, Attack Convoy
Police investigation continues amid conflicting accounts
Police have arrested one suspect and are seeking others. Investigators have not established whether the attack resulted from internal NDC disagreements, as the state government claims, or external political intimidation, as some of Obi’s supporters allege.
Until police establish the identities and motives of those responsible, both explanations remain claims. The incident underscores the need for political parties, government officials and security agencies to protect peaceful political activity as the 2027 election approaches.
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