Three people were injured and several vehicles damaged when gunmen allegedly disrupted consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during the party’s consultation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The PDP governorship candidate in the state, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, said the first incident occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where the party was holding a meeting.
He said three people sustained injuries during the disruption and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
According to him, the situation later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, where another consultative meeting was scheduled to take place.
Javis-Archibong alleged that hoodlums opened fire at the party’s convoy and vandalised vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team and supporters.
He said about 3,000 supporters attended the exercise and that the police had been notified ahead of the meetings.
The governorship candidate said the party restrained its supporters from retaliating and instead moved its convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.
He disclosed that the PDP would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
He also appealed to PDP members and supporters to remain calm and avoid reprisals, stressing that political consultations should not become avenues for violence.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State denied involvement in the incident.
The APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the incidents and had deployed personnel to the affected areas.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police were verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property, adding that the situation was under control.
The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid the affected areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of political activities in Cross River State as parties intensify consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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