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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the attack on the convoy of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, declaring that the incident would not discourage the party from participating in the democratic process.
The party described the incident as unacceptable, insisting that Nigerians should be able to engage in political activities without threats, intimidation or violence.
In a statement signed by its National Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC disclosed that no member of Obi’s delegation was injured during the attack, although one of the vehicles in the convoy was ambushed.
The incident occurred shortly after Obi visited the Obong of Calabar’s Palace in Calabar.
The party said the attack was particularly concerning because of a similar incident previously recorded in Benue State, where Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a roadblock mounted by a mob.
According to the statement, the incident happened along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi.
“We witnessed a similarly disturbing incident in Benue, where while travelling along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi, Obi’s convoy ran into a full roadblock mounted by a mob, apparently planted there,” the statement read.
The NDC maintained that political participation should not come with the risk of physical attacks, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to associate and campaign freely.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian has the right to campaign, associate and participate in politics without fear of violence,” the party stated.
It called on the Cross River State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they face prosecution.
The party warned that the authorities must not ignore the attack or create the impression that political violence would be tolerated.
“They must not look the other way or conduct themselves in ways that suggest tolerance or complicity in political violence. Silence and inaction only embolden perpetrators,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the political process, the NDC said the attack would not force it to abandon its activities or discourage its supporters.
“Let it be clearly understood: NDC will not be intimidated, silenced or deterred by violence,” Ikokwu said.
The party also warned against attempts to use threats and attacks to influence the country’s political process, insisting that political power should come through the choice of voters.
“No one should imagine that power can be seized through threats, intimidation and attacks rather than earned through the democratic will of the people,” the statement read.
Describing the forthcoming election as crucial to Nigeria’s future, the NDC urged stakeholders to protect the country’s democratic process from political violence.
“This is a crucial election for Nigeria. Our democracy must not be held hostage by political violence,” the party added.
