Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised an alleged attack on his campaign convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, declaring that political intimidation would not be tolerated ahead of the 2027 general election.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, November 4, shortly before Obi attended a town hall meeting in the state alongside his wife, Margaret, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Some vehicles in the convoy were reportedly damaged after suspected attackers descended on the campaign buses, smashing their windscreens and side mirrors.
Footage circulating on social media showed several individuals, some wearing black shirts, caps and face coverings, striking the vehicles with machetes.
The incident reportedly caused panic among residents, traders and other passers-by.
Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, had earlier alerted the public to the development through a post on her official X account.
“Thugs are trying to attack our convoy,” she wrote.
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Umoh subsequently shared another video showing a person with an apparent gunshot injury to the leg being taken away from the scene. She attributed the injury to a stray bullet.
Addressing supporters at the town hall meeting, Obi described what happened and disclosed that his security personnel advised him to avoid the attackers after they allegedly brought out weapons.
He said, “They were throwing stones, and I saw people running back. And my security people said we should find another way because they have machetes and other things.
“I asked, ‘In Nigeria? I am coming down to go and meet them.’ By the time they saw what was happening, they left. All these things happened because Nigerians allow it. We are not going to allow it in 2027.”
The former Anambra governor’s experience in Calabar comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the next general election.
In a similar development about two months ago, Obi’s convoy reportedly faced a blockade involving youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway in Benue State during a visit to the state.