By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Obi Media Office has strongly condemned the recent attack by some youths on the campaign convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate Peter Obi in Calabar, Cross River State.

The media office, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr., and dated November 5, 2026, described the incident as an act of political violence capable of undermining peaceful political participation and democratic rights.

It urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, identify those allegedly responsible for the attack and uncover any persons who may have sponsored it.

The group expressed concern over what it described as the exploitation of Nigerian youths by politicians who allegedly take advantage of economic hardship to recruit young people for violent activities.

“We are especially alarmed by the calculated exploitation of Nigerian youths by desperate politicians who take advantage of the current economic hardship, entice vulnerable young people with money, and enlist them to carry out violence and obstruct democratic activities,” the statement said.

The Obi Media Office also alleged that those who finance and organise political violence often remain insulated from its consequences while youths are left to face the risks.

“Regrettably, the individuals who finance and organise such violence remain safely at home and insulated from the consequences, while innocent youths are manipulated into jeopardising their freedom, future, and lives,” it said.

The group called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and instead pursue education, productive engagement and leadership.

“Nigerian youths must not be used as tools of destruction by self-serving politicians. Their future should be built through education, productive participation, and leadership—not violence or political thuggery,” the statement said.

The Obi Media Office said Peter Obi remained committed to a peaceful and issue-focused campaign, while calling on political actors to uphold civility, tolerance and democratic principles.

It added that no political ambition justified the loss of a Nigerian life.