PDP, APC trade blame over attack in Cross River

Map of Cross River State.

The People’s Democratic Party in Cross River State and the All Progressives Congress have traded accusations following an attack that disrupted the PDP’s consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area on Friday.

The PDP alleged that gunmen invaded two venues of its consultation, fired shots, injured three persons, and vandalised vehicles belonging to its members and supporters.

However, the APC denied involvement in the incident, while the state police command said it had deployed operatives to the affected areas and was investigating reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.

The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, in a statement on Friday, condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible.

He said the incidents had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, urging members and supporters of the party to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“Political consultations should not be turned into avenues for bloodshed,” Ojisi said.

The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, who led the consultation team, said the first incident occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I.

He alleged that suspected hoodlums disrupted the meeting, leaving three persons injured, who were subsequently taken to hospital.

Javis-Archibong said the second incident occurred at the African Club along Calabar Road, where vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team and supporters were vandalised, and gunmen allegedly opened fire on the party’s convoy.

He claimed that about 3,000 supporters attended the exercise, adding that the party had informed the police ahead of the meetings and expected adequate security.

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The governorship candidate said the supporters resisted the temptation to retaliate and instead drove 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.

Javis-Archibong said the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the incident.

He warned that continued disruption of political activities could undermine the electoral process and lead to a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 elections.

But the APC, in a statement by its publicity secretary in the state, Emmanuel Inyang, denied involvement in the attack.

He said the ruling party was preoccupied with its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command said it was investigating the incident.

According to a statement on Friday, the Command said it is aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South today, 2nd October 2026.

“Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control. The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.”

The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary, and refrain from circulating unverified information.