Sowore, in a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an atmosphere of political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Obi arrived in Calabar for a political engagement and a town hall meeting organised by the NDC.
Reports indicated that suspected political thugs attacked Obi’s convoy around the Watt Market area, throwing stones, bottles and other dangerous objects at the vehicles and party supporters. Several supporters reportedly sustained injuries, while some vehicles in the convoy suffered damage, including shattered windscreens.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify others involved and establish whether there were sponsors behind the attack. <Cite refs={[“turn975508view1″,”turn975508view0”]}/>
Reacting to the development, Sowore described the incident as part of what he called a disturbing pattern of political intimidation and violence against opposition figures.
“I strongly condemn the reported attack on @PeterObi’s convoy in Calabar. Political violence against anyone, regardless of party affiliation, must never be tolerated,” he stated.
The AAC presidential candidate alleged that state-sponsored thuggery had become a feature of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, blaming what he described as the political intolerance of the Tinubu-led APC administration.
“State-sponsored thuggery has become a feature of the build-up to the 2027 elections, fuelled by the political intolerance of the @officialABAT Tinubu-led @OfficialAPCNg regime,” he added.
Sowore also expressed reservations about the ability of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to effectively address political violence, accusing them of complicity in the intimidation of opposition politicians.
“But don’t expect much from the @policeng or security agencies because of their complicity in political intimidation and violence,” he said.
He warned that Nigerians would eventually resist what he described as growing political repression and impunity, insisting that no government could indefinitely suppress the people’s democratic rights.
“The people will collectively rise in resistance against political violence, repression, and impunity soon. No regime can suppress the will of the people indefinitely!” he added.
Sowore Recalls Recent Attack in Ekiti
The AAC presidential candidate’s reaction comes barely days after he and members of his campaign team were attacked at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on October 30.
The incident occurred shortly after Sowore and his team attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
While the Ekiti State Police Command initially described the incident as an altercation involving some individuals at the restaurant, Sowore insisted that he and his team were victims of a coordinated assault by armed political thugs.
The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident, with items including mobile phones, walkie-talkies and other materials reportedly recovered during the operation. <Cite refs={[“turn754462search5″,”turn362764view0”]}/>
However, Sowore dismissed the arrests as inadequate, alleging that those responsible for organising and sponsoring the attack had not been apprehended.
In a subsequent statement, the activist called for an investigation into 12 individuals, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his Chief Security Officer, Ayodele Akinlua, and the state Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael.
He alleged that electronic tracking of communication devices stolen from members of his team during the attack placed one of the phones opposite the Ekiti State Government House, while another was traced to an area near the Governor’s Lodge.
Sowore further alleged that Governor Oyebanji instructed the commander of the Rapid Response Squad to hand over recovered communication devices to him, questioning why the governor would take possession of items that could serve as evidence in the investigation.
The allegations have not been independently established.
The activist also accused police and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives of removing CCTV equipment from Tawakalitu Restaurant and subsequently returning it with the recordings allegedly erased. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also reportedly raised concerns about the handling of the surveillance footage.
Sowore has demanded an independent investigation by federal authorities, the release of the original CCTV recordings and the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police pending an investigation into the incident. <Cite refs={[“turn362764view0”]}/>
The successive incidents in Ekiti and Cross River have renewed concerns about the safety of opposition politicians and their supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowore maintained that every political party and presidential candidate should be allowed to campaign, organise meetings and engage citizens in any part of the country without intimidation or violence, regardless of political affiliation.
