At least three persons were injured on Friday when gunmen allegedly disrupted consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident occurred at two locations in Calabar South, including the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of the area, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, and the African Club along Calabar Road, where the party was scheduled to hold a second engagement with stakeholders.

Speaking with journalists after the incidents, the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, said the attackers opened fire during the consultation at the palace, leaving three persons injured.

He said the injured victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they were receiving treatment.

Archibong alleged that the violence continued at the African Club, where vehicles belonging to members of the PDP consultative team and supporters were reportedly damaged.

According to him, the party had duly notified the police of its activities and expected adequate security protection for the meetings.

He said about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, adding that the party leadership restrained its members from retaliating despite the attacks.

Rather than engage the attackers, he said the party moved its convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.

He warned that repeated disruption of political activities could undermine the democratic process and create an atmosphere of lawlessness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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

Reacting to the incident, the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, appealed to party supporters to remain calm while condemning what he described as an attack on the party’s consultation with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Eba said the injured supporters were stable and recovering, while calling on security agencies to strengthen measures to protect lives and property.

He also urged political parties and stakeholders across the state to reject violence and allow citizens to participate freely in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the PDP remained committed to its political campaign and would continue its consultations across the state despite the incident.

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

Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, and urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and refrain from reprisals.

It expressed solidarity with those injured and called on political actors across the state to allow political consultations and other democratic activities to take place without intimidation or violence.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state denied involvement in the incidents.

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

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the incidents.

The Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police personnel had been deployed to the affected locations and that the situation was under control.

He said the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding 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,” Eitokpah said.

He advised 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 across the area to maintain peace and public order. (Nigerian Tribune)

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