The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has demanded urgent security action following reported attacks on its consultative engagements in Calabar South, alleging gunfire, injuries and destruction of vehicles during the exercise on Friday.
In a statement, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, condemned what he described as “disturbing attacks” on the party’s consultations and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ojisi said the incidents had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, stressing that political consultation and democratic engagement should not become occasions for violence.
He appealed to PDP members and supporters to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory action, while calling on security agencies to protect lives and property and prevent further escalation.
“We urge all our members and supporters to remain calm and avoid any act of retaliation,” Ojisi said.
He added that the party remained committed to peaceful political engagement and called on all political actors to reject violence and allow the democratic process to proceed without intimidation or disruption.
The statement followed incidents during the party’s consultation tour of Calabar South, where PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, alleged that gunmen disrupted meetings at two locations and later opened fire on the party’s convoy.
Javis-Archibong said the first incident occurred at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where gunmen allegedly disrupted the meeting and injured three persons.
He said the injured were taken to hospital for treatment, while the violence later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, the designated venue for another meeting.
According to him, vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team and supporters were damaged during the incident, while hoodlums allegedly shot at the party’s convoy.
Javis-Archibong said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation and that the party had notified the police ahead of the exercise, expecting adequate security arrangements.
He said rather than retaliate, PDP supporters moved the 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.
The candidate said the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.
He warned that continued attacks on political activities could undermine the democratic process and lead to a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” Javis-Archibong said.
The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied responsibility for the incidents.
The APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party remained focused on its own campaign activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command said it was aware of the reported incidents and had deployed personnel to the affected locations.
The Command said the situation was under control, adding that it was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.
It advised residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The Command also said police presence and monitoring had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order.
