Machete-wielding men attack Obi's convoy in Calabar, police arrest one suspect

Police in Cross River State have arrested a 27-year-old man after Peter Obi's campaign convoy was attacked in Calabar on Wednesday.

The convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate had just left a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar and was heading for the Metropolitan Hotel, where Obi was due to hold a town hall meeting, when it came under attack at the Watt Market roundabout.

Police said a group of suspected thugs carrying machetes and sticks set upon the vehicles. Video shared on Facebook appears to show men smashing car windscreens with an axe-like tool. It is not yet clear how many vehicles were damaged, and no injuries were reported.

Officers used tear gas to break up the crowd, and most of the attackers escaped. The state police spokesman, Sunday Eitokpah, named the arrested man as Victor Duke and said he was taken to the state headquarters for questioning, partly to protect him from reprisals. Police stressed that he is presumed innocent.

Commissioner of Police Ajo Ordue has ordered an investigation to find the others involved. The attack comes days after Sowore's team was assaulted in Ado-Ekiti, adding to worries about violence as the 2027 campaigns heat up.