The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has raised the alarm over alleged attacks on its supporters during consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area.
This was just as it confirmed that three persons were injured and several vehicles damaged in separate attacks in the state.
The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, disclosed this on Friday while speaking with journalists after the incidents, alleging that gunmen disrupted the party’s meeting at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I.
According to him, the injured persons were taken to hospital for medical attention following the attack.
He said the violence continued at the African Club along Calabar Road, where the party had scheduled another consultative meeting, with vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team allegedly vandalised.
Javis-Archibong further alleged that the attackers opened fire on the party’s convoy and damaged vehicles belonging to some supporters.
He said about 3,000 supporters had gathered for the consultation, adding that the police were duly informed ahead of the meetings and the party expected adequate security arrangements.
The candidate said the PDP chose not to retaliate despite the attacks, explaining that its supporters were restrained while the convoy was moved to the Commissioner of Police for protection.
He said the party would formally 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 have serious consequences for democratic participation and public order in the state as political preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Also speaking on the incident, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the attacks as disturbing, saying they targeted the party’s ongoing consultative engagements.
Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Geoffrey, while calling on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The PDP urged its members and supporters to remain calm and avoid reprisals, insisting that political consultation should not be turned into an avenue for violence.
This was also as the party expressed solidarity with those injured and reiterated its commitment to peaceful political engagement, while urging political actors to reject violence and allow the democratic process to proceed without intimidation.
However, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement in the incident.
The APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was concentrating on its own campaign 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.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police personnel had been deployed to the affected areas and that the situation was under control.
He said the command was investigating the circumstances surrounding the reports, including allegations of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.
The police spokesman urged residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from spreading unverified information.
He added that police presence and monitoring had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order.
