Tension reportedly erupted in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State on Friday as gunmen disrupted two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consultative meetings, leaving three persons injured and several vehicles damaged.
The PDP alleged that the attacks occurred at two separate locations during consultations led by its governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement in the incidents, while the Cross River State Police Command said it had deployed personnel to the affected areas and commenced investigations into reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.
The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, condemned the incidents and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police in the state, while urging party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
“Political consultations should not be turned into avenues for bloodshed,” he said.
According to Javis-Archibong, the first incident occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where suspected hoodlums allegedly disrupted the meeting.
He said three people were injured and subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
The candidate alleged that another incident occurred at the African Club along Calabar Road, where vehicles belonging to members of the PDP consultation team and supporters were vandalised.
He further alleged that gunmen opened fire on the party’s convoy.
Javis-Archibong said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation and that the party had informed the police about the meetings in advance.
Rather than retaliate, he said party supporters moved their convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.
“We have restrained our supporters from retaliating because we believe in the rule of law,” he said.
He added that the PDP would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.
Javis-Archibong warned that continued disruption of political activities could undermine the electoral process and create security challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
But the APC rejected any link to the incidents.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Emmanuel Inyang, said the APC was focused on its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the reported incidents.
In a statement, the command said police personnel had been deployed to the affected locations and that the situation was under control.
“The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property,” the police said.
The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information, adding that police presence and monitoring had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order.
As of the latest police statement, no political party or group had been officially identified as responsible for the reported attacks.
