The convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi was attacked by suspected political thugs in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

What happened

According to reports, the attack happened around the Watt Market area as Obi's convoy moved through the city towards a hotel where the party had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting. Obi was in Calabar with his wife, Margaret, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Attackers threw stones, bottles and other objects at vehicles and supporters who had lined the route. Several supporters were reportedly injured and vehicles were damaged. An aide to Obi, Esther Umoh, said one supporter was hit by a stray bullet.

Police response

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and said a 27-year-old suspect had been arrested. Police said investigations were continuing to identify those behind the attack.

What Obi said

Speaking after the incident, Obi alleged that APC supporters threw stones at his convoy, forcing people to run for safety. He said such attacks happen because Nigerians tolerate them, and vowed that it would not be allowed in 2027. The APC had not responded to the claim at the time of reporting.

Background

Cross River is governed by the APC. Attacks on campaign events have increased as the January 2027 elections approach. Earlier this week, ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar accused the DSS of plotting to disrupt his Sokoto rally, and APC supporters were attacked ahead of a rally in Katsina. Civil society groups and religious leaders have urged all parties to restrain their supporters.

President Bola Tinubu has left Saudi Arabia for Abuja after completing his Umrah, or lesser pilgrimage, in Makkah.

The departure

According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President's aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5.13pm Saudi time on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. He was seen off by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya. Before leaving, the President held a brief meeting with the deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport.

Background

Tinubu left Abuja for Makkah on 29 October. During the trip he was granted the rare honour of entering the Kaaba with his delegation, where he said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria. He also hosted governors and senior officials at a dinner in Makkah. The trip drew comment from opposition figures, with Atiku Abubakar's campaign saying it would not guarantee him a second term and activist Omoyele Sowore claiming it was for medical treatment, which the Presidency denied.

What happens next

The President is expected to resume official duties in Abuja. Among matters awaiting him is his request to the Senate for approval of $7.7 billion in new foreign borrowing.

Street-pop singer Seyi Vibez has given his father a new house, his second, and shared the moment with fans.

What happened

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the singer congratulated his father on the property, writing that he celebrated him and adding a word of thanks to God. He also shared a video of the house.

Background

Seyi Vibez, real name Oluwaseyi Balogun, rose to fame in recent years with a run of popular songs and albums and has become one of the leading voices in Nigeria's street-pop scene. He often speaks about his family and his humble beginnings in Lagos. Gifting parents houses and cars has become a popular way for Nigerian stars to show gratitude.

How fans reacted

Fans flooded the post with congratulations, praising the singer for taking care of his father and praying for more success. Many said it was a good example for young people who make money early.

The federal government has explained how it will choose beneficiaries for its National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), which pays ₦50,000 a month to vulnerable Nigerians.

How people will be selected

According to reports on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the government said beneficiaries will be identified strictly through verified official records and defined eligibility criteria, rather than through applications or nominations. Only people who meet the set criteria will be considered.

Scam warnings

Officials have warned Nigerians not to share their PINs or one-time passwords with anyone who calls claiming to represent the programme, and have explained who may collect the payment on a beneficiary's behalf. Several digital banks and payment platforms have also published guidance on how to check eligibility.

Background

NERSI is one of several government schemes aimed at cushioning the effect of high living costs, alongside the HoPE cash transfer programme, which pays ₦25,000 a month for three months to eligible households, and the CREDICORP consumer credit scheme. The government says it is using the national social register to target the poorest households. Critics have questioned whether the payments reach the right people and say the amounts are small compared with rising prices.

What it means

People who have not been contacted through official channels are being advised to treat any request for payment or personal details with suspicion.