The road to the 2027 governorship election in Cross River State has taken a troubling turn after an alleged attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters during consultation meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area left three people injured and several vehicles damaged.
What was planned as a political engagement with traditional rulers and other stakeholders reportedly turned violent at two locations – the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, and later at the African Club along Calabar Road.
For the victims, however, the incident was not about campaign strategy or political calculations.
According to the PDP, three people were injured and subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, said the attackers allegedly disrupted the first meeting at the palace before the situation escalated at the venue of the second engagement.
He also alleged that gunfire was directed at the party’s convoy and that vehicles belonging to supporters were vandalised.
The incident has therefore placed the safety of political actors and supporters at the centre of discussions as political activities ahead of the February 6, 2027 election gather momentum.
In his reaction, PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate Alphonsus Ogar Eba said the injured supporters were stable and recuperating.
He condemned what he described as a “barbaric, primitive and unfortunate violent attack” and appealed to PDP supporters and members across party lines to remain calm.
“To our faithful supporters within PDP and across party lines, we humbly request that you remain calm and continue with our political evangelical mission with greater vigor,” Eba said.
His statement also linked the incident directly to the party’s preparations for the 2027 election, saying the attack had strengthened its determination to pursue what it described as a “Rescue Mission”.
But beyond the political language, the immediate concern remains the safety of people participating in political activities.
The PDP said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation and that the police had been notified beforehand. Archibong said the party expected adequate security coverage for the engagement.
After the violence, he said the party restrained its supporters from retaliating and moved its convoy to the Commissioner of Police for protection.
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” Archibong said.
The PDP has also said it would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies over the incidents.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as “disturbing attacks” and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The party also appealed to its members and supporters to shun reprisals, stressing that political consultations should not become occasions for violence.
The APC, however, distanced itself from the incident.
Its State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own campaign activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere in its search for those responsible.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the reported incidents and said personnel had been deployed to the affected locations.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police were verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.
“The Cross River State Police Command is aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South today, 2nd October 2026,” he said.
“Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control.”
Eitokpah also 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.
Eba, in his statement, described the injured supporters as innocent victims and called on security agencies to do more in protecting lives and property.
The PDP has also framed the protection of voters and their ability to participate freely in the electoral process as a central concern ahead of 2027.
The party said its members should be able to engage in political activities without intimidation, while its leadership urged security agencies to ensure that citizens are protected.
