Peter Obi’s visit to Calabar for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential town hall took an unexpected turn as an enthusiastic reception at the airport gave way to violence against his campaign convoy.
The former Anambra State governor arrived at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport on Wednesday to a rousing welcome from NDC leaders, party faithful and supporters.
The crowd received him with solidarity songs, party flags and banners as he prepared for his engagement with stakeholders and residents ahead of the 2027 general election.
From the airport, Obi’s convoy moved through major streets of Calabar amid cheers from supporters and residents, briefly causing traffic disruption in parts of the metropolis.
However, the celebratory atmosphere later turned tense when the convoy was attacked around Watt Market Roundabout.
The incident occurred as Obi was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, venue of the NDC presidential town hall.
According to the Cross River Police Command, suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy.
Some vehicles reportedly had their windscreens smashed during the attack.
The police confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify other suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Obi later recounted how his security team advised him to take another route after the attackers began throwing stones and supporters ran for safety.
He said he had wanted to come down and interact with the people but was eventually informed that the attackers had left.
The NDC presidential candidate condemned political violence, insisting that intimidation should have no place in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Calabar engagement is part of the NDC’s wider consultations and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Through its town hall meetings, the party is seeking to engage stakeholders, party members and ordinary Nigerians on national issues and its proposed direction for the country.
The attack has, however, introduced a troubling dimension to Obi’s visit, raising fresh concerns about the safety of political campaigns as activities towards the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Although the police have confirmed an arrest, the identities and possible sponsors of other attackers remain subjects of investigation.