The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has reported that gunmen disrupted two of its consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area on Friday, October 2, 2026, leaving three people injured and several vehicles damaged. The party's governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, said the attacks occurred during the buildup to the 2027 elections.
First Attack at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler
According to Javis-Archibong, the first attack happened at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I. Gunmen allegedly broke up a meeting there, wounding three attendees who were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
The violence continued with a second attack at the African Club along Calabar Road, the venue scheduled for another consultative session. The party's convoy came under fire, and vehicles belonging to supporters were vandalised.
Javis-Archibong said roughly 3,000 supporters had attended the consultations. He added that, rather than fighting back, the party restrained its members and moved the convoy to the Commissioner of Police for protection.
PDP to Petition Security Agencies
The candidate stated that the PDP would formally petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies over the attacks. He cautioned that repeated attacks on political gatherings could erode democratic participation and push the state towards lawlessness as the 2027 election season picks up pace.
"Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order," Javis-Archibong said.
In a separate statement, PDP State Publicity Secretary Mike Ojisi called the incidents "disturbing attacks" and said the matter had been formally reported to Cross River State Police Commissioner CP Geoffrey. The party urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible, while appealing to its members to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
APC Denies Involvement, Police Confirm Deployment
The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected any link to the attacks. Its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own campaign activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incidents. Spokesman ASP Sunday Eitokpah said officers 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," Eitokpah said, adding that residents should remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary, and refrain from sharing unverified information.
