Several People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters sustained injuries and multiple vehicles were vandalized following a series of violent attacks during a party consultation tour in the Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State on Thursday.
According to PDP governorship candidate Sir Arthur Jarvis-Archibong, the initial assault occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where armed men disrupted an ongoing meeting and injured three individuals.
Jarvis-Archibong stated that the violence escalated later in the day at the African Club on Calabar Road, where another gathering was scheduled. Armed thugs reportedly opened fire on the PDP convoy and destroyed several vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team. The injured victims were subsequently transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Jarvis-Archibong noted that approximately 3,000 PDP supporters attended the gathering and affirmed that the PDP had notified the police in advance to ensure adequate security coverage for the tour.
To prevent supporters from retaliating, he stated that the party redirected its convoy toward the Commissioner of Police for protection.
The governorship candidate announced plans to submit formal petitions regarding the incidents to the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
Warning against the escalation of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, he emphasized that unchecked attacks on political activities threaten democratic stability and risk causing a broader breakdown of law and order.
State PDP reacts
In a separate statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary condemned the violent disruption and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The party advised its members to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, noting that the incidents had been formally reported to the Commissioner of Police for the Cross River State Command.
Conversely, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied any involvement in the attacks.
APC Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Inyang dismissed the allegations, stating that the party is focused on its own political activities and advising the PDP to look elsewhere for those accountable.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incidents and reported that security personnel have been deployed to the affected locations.
Command spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah stated that the situation has been brought under control while officers continue to investigate reports of gunfire, injuries, and property destruction.
Eitokpah assured residents that surveillance and police presence have been heightened across the area to maintain public order. He advised the public to remain calm, avoid affected zones where necessary, and refrain from disseminating unverified information.
Backstory…
Meanwhile, the incident comes shortly after Police arrested supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested Elijah Noah, state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, during a march in Uyo on Thursday, October 1, 2026. According to reports, several armed officers took Noah who operates under the social media handle @elijahnoah8—into custody while supporters assembled for an Independence Day rally.
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