The National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has vowed that the attack on the presidential convoy of Peter Obi and himself in Calabar, Cross River State, will not stop their political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Kwankwaso gave the assurance on Thursday, 5 November 2026, while speaking on Voice of the People (VOP) TV’s exclusive programme, VOP Exclusive, where he addressed the attack on their convoy, accused elements within the ruling establishment of sponsoring political violence and questioned the response of security agencies.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 4 November, around Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar, as Mr Obi and Mr Kwankwaso travelled from a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar to a scheduled stakeholders’ town hall meeting near the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

According to the account presented, suspected thugs blocked the convoy and pelted vehicles with stones and other objects, damaging several vehicles.

Speaking on the incident, Mr Kwankwaso insisted that the attack would not discourage their political activities or grassroots mobilisation.

“Nigerians are hungry, angry, and yearning for a paradigm shift. No amount of bottled intimidation, thrown stones, or sponsored chaos in Calabar or anywhere else will stop the people from reclaiming their country in 2027. We remain resolute,” he said.

Kwankwaso accuses ruling establishment of political intimidation

The former Kano State governor accused elements within the ruling establishment of encouraging political violence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He described the attack as a calculated attempt to restrict opposition activities and prevent Nigerians from hearing alternative political voices.

“We are aware of the desperation creeping into the ruling establishment as the 2027 elections approach. When political thugs are mobilized in broad daylight to block, stone, and vandalize opposition convoys under the watchful eye of compromised elements, it shows a calculated attempt to shrink the democratic space and prevent the Nigerian people from hearing alternative voices,” Mr Kwankwaso said.

He also questioned the conduct of security agencies during the incident, alleging that the attackers operated despite the presence of security personnel.

Following reports that the ruling-party loyalists, including groups associated with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), had staged parallel rallies around the route hours before the convoy was attacked, Mr Kwankwaso’s allegations raise questions about the security arrangements for the visit and whether adequate measures were taken to prevent a confrontation between rival political groups.

Kwankwaso questions police action, demands investigation into alleged sponsors

Mr Kwankwaso also questioned whether the police investigation would go beyond the arrest of an individual suspected of participating in the attack to identify those who may have organised or financed the violence.

The Cross River State Police Command reportedly confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the incident.

Reacting to the arrest, Mr Kwankwaso criticised what he considered an inadequate response if the investigation focused only on the alleged attacker without examining possible political sponsors.

“Arresting one foot soldier holding a stone while leaving the political godfathers who funded and directed the mayhem is an insult to collective intelligence. If the police want Nigerians to take their neutrality seriously, they must interrogate this suspect publicly and reveal the politicians who handed him instructions and weapons,” he said.

The police reportedly said the suspect was transferred to the State Police Headquarters for further investigation, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reportedly directed a thorough investigation into the incident and measures to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

Kwankwaso alleges recurring attacks on opposition activities

Mr Kwankwaso also raised concerns about what he described as a pattern of political intimidation in states including Cross River, Benue and Edo.

The allegations include claims of restrictions on access roads, difficulties securing public venues and the use of political thugs to disrupt opposition activities.

He argued that such incidents could undermine democratic participation by making it difficult for opposition parties to organise meetings, engage supporters and present their political programmes to Nigerians.

The comments come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures seeking to strengthen their support across the country.

Vow to continue political mobilisation

Despite the attack, Mr Kwankwaso maintained that neither he nor Obi would be deterred from pursuing their political objectives.

He insisted that Nigerians must be allowed to make their political choices without intimidation, violence or interference.

The incident has renewed attention on the responsibility of security agencies to protect political candidates, their supporters and members of the public during political engagements.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify other suspects and determine whether anyone else was involved in organising or financing the violence.

For Mr Kwankwaso, however, the Calabar incident would not stop their political mobilisation ahead of 2027.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE: