Three injured as gunmen disrupt PDP meetings in Calabar

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

CALABAR — Three persons were reportedly injured on Friday after gunmen disrupted two consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident also resulted in damage to several vehicles belonging to members and supporters of the party, according to the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong.

Archibong, who spoke with journalists after the incidents, said the first attack occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where the party was holding a consultative meeting.

He said three persons were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

According to him, the situation later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, venue of a second consultation, where vehicles belonging to members of the party’s consultative team were damaged.

Archibong also alleged that gunmen opened fire on the party’s convoy and vandalised vehicles belonging to some supporters.

He said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, adding that the police had been notified of the meetings and that the party expected adequate security arrangements.

The candidate said the party restrained its supporters from retaliating and instead moved its convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police for protection.

He added that the PDP would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.

Archibong warned that continued disruption of political activities could undermine peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.

In a separate statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as attacks on the party’s consultative engagements.

Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.

The PDP also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and shun reprisals, stressing that political consultations should not become an avenue for violence.

APC denies involvement

Reacting, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement in the incidents.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.

Police commence verification

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said it had deployed personnel to the affected areas and that the situation was under control.

The command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police were verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.

“The Cross River State Police Command 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 damage to property,” he said.

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

He added that police presence and monitoring had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had not attributed responsibility for the incidents to any political party or group.

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