Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has narrated how he refused to follow security advice when supporters of the party were allegedly attacked in Calabar, Cross River state capital, on Wednesday.
Narrating the incident in a video, the Presidential Candidate said the attack happened during his visit to Calabar for a town hall meeting.
Obi said he was told that some All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters were throwing stones at his convoy after sighting NDC supporters.
He said, “They said APC people were throwing stones and some people were running back. My security people told me of another route, but I told them, in Nigeria? I’m coming down to go and meet them.
“Before we knew what was happening, the thugs left. All these things are happening because Nigerians allow it. We are not going to allow it in 2027.”
Meanwhile, the Cross River Police Command said it successfully averted a potential clash between the supporters of the NDC and those of the APC in Calabar.
NDC supporters had gathered in front of the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, venue of the NDC presidential town hall, while the APC supporters were on a road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
The atmosphere suddenly became charged when the APC supporters eventually made a stop in front of the hotel, raising fears of a possible confrontation.
However, police officers deployed to the venue to maintain the peace and security in the area, promptly intervened, engaged the two groups, and prevented the situation from degenerating.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development and quick intervention of the police in an interview with NAN.
Eitokpah said, “The command, through timely intervention and constructive engagement, averted a possible confrontation between participants at the town hall meeting and the APC supporters.
“Upon the convergence of both groups in front of the hotel, police officers promptly engaged them, appealing to all the parties to exercise restraint, maintain the peace and ensure that their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.”
He further said the intervention was aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing a breakdown of law and order.
The police spokesman urged all the political parties, supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and respect the rights of others, irrespective of their political affiliations. (NAN)
