Political Thugs Attack Peter Obi Convoy in Calabar
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi survived a convoy ambush in Calabar, leading to one arrest and a condemnation from Governor Bassey Otu.
Political thugs attacked the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on Wednesday at the Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar. The ambush occurred after Obi had visited the Obong of Calabar’s Palace during a trip to Cross River State for a presidential town hall meeting. While one vehicle was targeted, the NDC reported that no members of the delegation were injured.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu condemned the act as shameful and directed security agencies to arrest all perpetrators. Police have since detained 27-year-old Victor Edet Yellow Duke as part of an ongoing investigation. The NDC initially called for a full prosecution, noting a similar previous incident in Benue State where Obi's convoy encountered a mob-mounted roadblock.
Internal friction emerged within the NDC following the attack. The party's state leadership decided to downplay the incident to avoid escalating tensions after Governor Otu issued a formal apology. This decision drew criticism from some supporters who demanded a wider police dragnet to identify other suspects who fled the scene.
