The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old man following an attack on the campaign convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was arrested after the incident in which campaign vehicles were reportedly damaged, while Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, alleged that a person sustained a gunshot injury.
Obi was in the Cross River State capital with his wife, Margaret, and running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, for a political engagement and town hall meeting when the incident occurred.
The former Anambra State governor later addressed the incident at the town hall, saying his security team advised him to take another route after noticing that some of the people involved were armed.
He said stones were thrown at the convoy and that people fled as the situation became tense. According to Obi, he initially considered confronting the attackers but accepted his security team’s advice to avoid escalating the situation.
He condemned the use of intimidation and violence in political activities, warning that disagreements among political groups should not undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Umoh had earlier raised the alarm about the incident in a social media post. She also shared videos showing damaged vehicles and a person being evacuated from the scene with an apparent injury to the leg, which she attributed to a stray bullet.
The circumstances surrounding the reported injury have not been independently established in the information available for this report.
Police Confirm Arrest
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect through its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata.
The suspect was identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, aged 27.
The arrest was also reported by media outlets quoting the police spokesperson. However, further details about the suspect’s alleged role, the circumstances of his arrest and any possible motive were not immediately available.
The police have also reported intervening to prevent a confrontation between supporters of the NDC and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Condemns Political Intimidation After Convoy Attack In Calabar
In a separate account of the political tension, the command said officers engaged supporters of both groups and appealed to them to maintain peace during their respective activities.
The police response underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding political mobilisation in the state, although the available information does not establish that either political party directed or sponsored the reported attack on Obi’s convoy.
Political Tensions Ahead Of 2027
The incident has raised fresh questions about the safety of political candidates, supporters and campaign teams as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
It also brings renewed attention to the responsibility of security agencies to protect political activities and ensure that Nigerians can participate in the democratic process without intimidation.
Obi’s visit to Calabar came amid increasing political engagement by parties and political groups ahead of the next general election.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals were involved.