The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State, Friday raised the alarm over alleged gun attacks by hoodlums on its consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area, which left three persons injured and several vehicles damaged
The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, who spoke with journalists after the incidents, said the violence began at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where gunmen allegedly disrupted the meeting
According to him, the three victims were rushed to hospital for treatment
He said the situation worsened at the African Club along Calabar Road, the designated venue of the second meeting, where vehicles belonging to members of the consultative team were damaged
Javis-Archibong further alleged that the attackers also fired at the party’s convoy and vandalised vehicles owned by supporters
He disclosed that about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, adding that the police had been duly notified and that the party expected adequate security cover
Rather than retaliate, he said the party restrained its supporters and moved its convoy to the Commissioner of Police for protection
The candidate said the PDP would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies over the incidents
He warned that persistent attacks on political activities could undermine democracy and plunge the state into lawlessness as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said
In a separate statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as “disturbing attacks” on the party’s consultative engagements
The statement said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River Command, CP Geoffrey, and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks in line with the law
The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and shun reprisals, stressing that political consultation must not become an occasion for violence
It expressed solidarity with the injured, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful politics, and called on all political actors to reject violence and allow the democratic process to run without intimidation
APC denies involvement
Reacting, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, distanced itself from the attack, insisting that it was focused on its own campaign activities
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, said the PDP should look elsewhere in its search for those responsible
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said officers had been deployed to the affected areas and that the situation was under control
Its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command was aware of the incident
“The Cross River State Police Command is aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South today, 2nd October 2026
“Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control
“The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries, and damage to property
“For public safety, residents are advised to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary, and refrain from circulating unverified information
“Police presence and monitoring have been strengthened to maintain peace and public order,” he said