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• Security operatives avert clash between NDC, APC supporters
• Obi vows to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity, corruption
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Suspected political thugs, on Wednesday, attacked the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, around Watt Market in Calabar, Cross River State, as the candidates made their way from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to a presidential town hall meeting.
The attack, during which some vehicles in the convoy were reportedly damaged, came amid heightened political tension in the state capital, where police and other security operatives also averted a possible confrontation between hundreds of NDC supporters and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) near the venue of the meeting.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the two incidents and announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Duke, in connection with the attack on the convoy.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the command’s timely intervention prevented a possible clash between supporters of the rival political parties, who had converged around a prominent hotel along Murtala Muhammed Highway, where the NDC scheduled its presidential town hall meeting.
Trouble reportedly began when a large crowd of APC supporters, including members of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other party faithful, embarked on a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office, passing close to the venue of the NDC event.
Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters had also gathered outside the hotel, partially obstructing the highway in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent the APC supporters from approaching the venue.
The convergence of the rival groups heightened tension, prompting security operatives to separate the supporters and divert the APC crowd from the immediate vicinity of the hotel, while the management restricted access to the premises to prevent further disturbances.
Confirming the development, Akata said police officers promptly engaged both groups and appealed to their members to exercise restraint and conduct their political activities peacefully.
“The command’s timely intervention and engagement with the groups prevented a possible confrontation,” he said.
According to him, the incident involved participants attending the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters who were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
“Police officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of the hotel.
“The operatives appealed to the parties to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law,” he said.
On the attack around Watt Market, the police spokesperson confirmed that Victor Edet Duke, aged 27, had been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Although the extent of damage to the affected vehicles and whether anyone sustained injuries could not immediately be established, the police said the suspect was in custody.
Despite the security incidents, Obi and Kwankwaso proceeded with their political engagements, with thousands of supporters gathering at the town hall venue, singing, dancing and chanting slogans in support of the NDC candidates.
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Addressing the gathering, Obi pledged to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity and confront corruption if elected president in 2027, declaring that his administration would pursue kidnappers into their hideouts and ensure that public funds were used for the welfare of Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor identified national unity, security, education, healthcare and citizens’ welfare as priorities of his proposed administration, insisting that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through purposeful leadership and responsible management of public resources.
According to him, the country’s divisions had weakened its collective capacity to confront insecurity and other national problems, making the restoration of unity an essential foundation for effective governance.
“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria. Nigeria today is not united. If we unite Nigeria today, we will have the strength to fight insecurity,” he said.
Obi promised a determined approach to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly attacks targeting schoolchildren, stressing that security agencies would pursue criminals wherever they operated.
“Anybody that kidnaps schoolchildren and goes into the bush, we will be in that bush with him, wherever it is. We are not scared of him,” he declared.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property must remain a primary responsibility of government, adding that Nigerians deserved to live, work and pursue their livelihoods without fear of criminal attacks.
On corruption, the NDC presidential candidate promised to ensure greater accountability in the management of public resources, insisting that government funds must be deployed to meet the needs of citizens rather than diverted for private gain.
“We will fight corruption head-on. We want people to stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good and for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Obi also pledged increased investment in education and healthcare, describing both sectors as critical to national development and improved living standards.
He said his political partnership with Kwankwaso represented a new approach to governance built on shared responsibility, accountability and a determination to transform the country.
“We represent a new Nigeria that is possible. We represent a governance that people have not seen in Nigeria before,” he said.
The former governor explained that the town hall meeting was organised to provide residents with an opportunity to engage directly with the candidates, raise concerns and seek explanations about their plans for the country.
He assured participants that they were free to ask questions and express their views without restrictions, stressing that listening to citizens would be central to his leadership approach.
“The style is to listen to you. You are free to ask any question. No restriction. Make any comment. That is why we are here,” Obi said.
Earlier, Obi had visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, as part of his engagements in the state.
