Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly condemned a violent attack on his campaign convoy in Calabar, Cross River State. The incident occurred on Wednesday, just hours before Obi addressed supporters at a town hall meeting, where he assured them that such political violence would not derail the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The attack involved suspected thugs who vandalized several vehicles in Obi's convoy, smashing windscreens and side mirrors. A 30-second video that circulated online depicted the assailants, many of whom were dressed in black shirts and face coverings, wielding machetes and causing chaos. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the violence created panic among passersby and roadside traders, prompting many to flee the scene.

Obi's media aide, Esther Umoh, raised the alarm on her official X account, stating, "Thugs are trying to attack our convoy." Shortly after, she shared a distressing video showing a victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, which she attributed to a stray bullet during the attack.

During his town hall meeting, Obi recounted his experience of the assault, revealing that his security team had advised him to take an alternate route when they noticed the assailants were armed with machetes and other weapons. He expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, "In Nigeria? I am coming down to go and meet them." He noted that the attackers dispersed once they realized the severity of the situation.

Obi emphasized the need for Nigerians to reject political violence, stating, "All these things happened because Nigerians allow it. We are not going to allow it in 2027." His comments reflect a growing concern over the safety of political candidates and their supporters as the country approaches the next presidential election.

This incident marks the latest in a series of security challenges faced by Obi's campaign. Just two months prior, his convoy encountered a blockade in Benue State, where youths prevented vehicles from passing along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway. The blockade led to significant traffic congestion and drew criticism towards the police for their delayed response. Following that incident, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, reported the arrest of 46 suspects linked to the blockade, assuring that investigations were ongoing.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the need for a peaceful political environment becomes increasingly urgent. Obi's experiences highlight the challenges that candidates face in ensuring their safety and the safety of their supporters amid rising political tensions in the country.