The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an attack on the convoy of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State.
Party leaders described the ambush as an unacceptable threat to democracy. They insisted that targeted violence would never silence citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around the Watt Market Roundabout in the state capital. Armed hoodlums targeted vehicles in the convoy, smashing several windscreens.
No member of the delegation sustained injuries during the encounter.
Ambush Near Watt Market Roundabout
Peter Obi arrived in Calabar for a presidential town hall meeting at the Metropolitan Hotel.
Before the gathering, his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar. The Peter Obi convoy attack unfolded at about 2:20 p.m. as the motorcade returned from the palace.
Witnesses reported that suspected political thugs emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis. Armed with machetes, sticks, and stones, the group ambushed trailing vehicles in the motorcade.
Security personnel quickly moved in, deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd and protect attendees.
NDC Warns Against Electoral Intimidation
The party expressed deep alarm over the incident in an official statement released on Thursday.
Party leadership noted that every Nigerian holds the constitutional right to campaign and associate freely without fear of harassment. The party warned that official silence would only embolden criminal elements.
Officials stressed that the Peter Obi convoy attack follows an earlier roadblock incident in Benue State along the Makurdi-Gboko highway. The party demanded a comprehensive investigation from the Cross River State Government and security agencies to bring every sponsor and perpetrator to justice.
Speaking after the event, Peter Obi stated that intimidation tactics would fail because Nigerian voters refuse to surrender their democratic future.
Police Intervene and Launch Manhunt
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect at the scene.
Operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit transferred the suspect to police headquarters for questioning. Detectives are reviewing footage and field intelligence to track down other suspects who fled through nearby commercial alleys.
State police leadership directed an immediate and transparent inquiry into the disturbance. Authorities reminded the public that all suspects retain the presumption of innocence while investigations continue.
Rising Tensions Ahead of 2027
The Calabar ambush highlights growing security concerns surrounding early nationwide political engagements across Nigeria.
Civic groups and political observers have repeatedly warned against political thuggery, calling for strict neutrality from local authorities and law enforcement.
The NDC maintained that power must derive solely from the ballot box. Party organizers confirmed that town hall consultations and voter engagements will proceed across the country as scheduled.
