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Peter ObiThe governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has condemned the attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Calabar on Thursday.
Obi was attacked on Wednesday while travelling to attend a town hall meeting as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reacting to the incident, Archibong described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over what he characterised as growing political intolerance and violence against opposition figures in Cross River State.
In a statement, the PDP candidate accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in the state of encouraging the intimidation of opposition members and sponsoring thugs to attack dissenting voices.
He recalled a similar incident during the PDP’s consultation visit to Calabar South, alleging that several party supporters were wounded, while some sustained serious bullet injuries that required hospital treatment.
According to him, the incident occurred while the PDP delegation was addressing residents who had gathered to express dissatisfaction with the state government and show support for the opposition party.
“Now that same violence has been visited on the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi,” Archibong said.
He lamented that Cross River, which he said had previously enjoyed a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, was increasingly being associated with political violence and intolerance towards opposition voices.
“It is shameful to say the least that Cross River should be trending as a violent state with zero tolerance for dissenting voices and opposition,” he said.
Archibong said although he was pleased that the incident had attracted national attention, he was concerned about the negative image it was creating for the state.
“Cross River is a land of peace and hospitality, and we refuse to watch it be reduced to a theatre of thuggery,” he added.
The PDP governorship candidate expressed solidarity with those affected by the attack, urging them not to be discouraged by the incident.
He further alleged that the APC was resorting to violence because of fears of losing the 2027 elections, claiming that the ruling party had lost the support of Cross River residents.
“Their violence is not strength. It is the cry of a rejected government that knows its time is over,” Archibong said.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect residents and prevent further attacks, particularly against opposition members and their supporters.
“We urge all security agencies to wake up to the call of their duties and protect the citizens of Cross River State. We are operating a democracy and will not allow the panic attacks of a failed government to distract our focus,” he said.
Archibong also declared that the PDP would continue its political activities in the state, insisting that Cross River belonged to all its residents and should not be reduced to what he described as a theatre of political oppression.
He expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for residents to effect a change in the state’s political leadership.
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