Three people were injured and several vehicles damaged on Friday after suspected gunmen disrupted PDP political consultations in Calabar South, Cross River State, involving the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage and said an investigation was underway.
Key Highlights
- Three people were injured during the reported attacks in Calabar South.
- The incidents occurred during PDP consultative meetings ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Several vehicles belonging to supporters and members of the consultation team were reportedly damaged.
- PDP alleged that gunmen attacked its meetings and convoy.
- The party said it had notified security authorities ahead of the consultations.
- The APC denied involvement in the incident.
- Police deployed personnel to the affected locations and said the situation was under control.
- The police said they were verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.
- No arrests had been announced in the initial police update.
Calabar PDP Attack Leaves Three Injured
The first incident reportedly occurred at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where a PDP consultation was taking place.
According to PDP governorship candidate Arthur Jarvis Archibong, gunmen disrupted the gathering, resulting in three people sustaining gunshot injuries. The victims were reportedly taken to hospital for treatment.
The incident was followed by another confrontation at the African Club along Calabar Road, where a second engagement had been scheduled.
Gunmen Attack PDP Convoy, Vehicles Damaged
PDP officials said attackers opened fire on the party’s convoy and vandalised vehicles belonging to supporters and members of the campaign team.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as “disturbing attacks” and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
According to the PDP account, the attackers fled on motorcycles after allegedly taking phones and video cameras from some supporters.
Claims by some party officials that the attackers wore colours associated with the APC and chanted pro-APC slogans had not been independently established by the police at the time of the initial reports.
Archibong Says 3,000 Supporters Attended Consultation
Archibong said approximately 3,000 supporters attended the consultative meetings.
He also said the PDP had informed the police about the programme and expected adequate security arrangements.
Rather than retaliate, Archibong said party leaders restrained their supporters and moved the convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.
He said the PDP planned to petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies over the incidents.
Archibong warned that repeated disruptions of political activities could affect preparations for the 2027 elections.
PDP Calls for Calm After Calabar Attack
The PDP appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
The party said political consultations should be conducted peacefully and urged security agencies to investigate the incident and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
Ojisi said the party remained committed to peaceful political engagement and expressed solidarity with those injured during the incidents.
APC Denies Involvement in PDP Attack
The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress rejected allegations linking the party to the violence.
APC Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Inyang said the party was focused on its own political activities and urged the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
The denial came after some PDP statements alleged that the attackers were associated with the APC.
No independent evidence establishing an APC connection had been announced by the police in their initial statement.
Cross River Police Launches Investigation
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the incidents reported during political activities in Calabar South on October 2, 2026.
Police spokesman ASP Sunday Eitokpah said officers had been deployed to the affected locations and that the situation was under control.
He said the command was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.
The police also advised residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The command said police presence and monitoring had been increased to maintain public order. No arrests had been announced in the initial update.
Calabar Attack Raises Concern Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Calabar PDP attack comes amid heightened political activity in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Archibong had previously spoken publicly about alleged threats and political tensions surrounding the forthcoming election, while the APC has rejected allegations of involvement in wrongdoing.
In September, Archibong also called for an issue-based campaign after alleging that material had been circulated against him ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Friday’s violence remains under police investigation, with the PDP calling for accountability and the APC denying involvement. For more updates, follow us on X.
