The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bekwara chapter in Cross River State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over alleged political intimidation by the Area Commander of Ogoja. At the same time, the Cross River State Police Command has denied the allegations and defended its actions as lawful.

In a petition dated February 27, 2026, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police through the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, and the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, the ADC accused the Area Commander of attempting to disrupt its planned Northern Senatorial District rally and intimidating its members.

The petition, signed by Mc Johnson under the banner of the “MacJohnson Odey Political Defence Volunteer Front,” alleged that armed police officers invaded his premises in Bekwara on 21 February 2026 at about 8:00 a.m. while party members were preparing for the rally.

The petitioner said, “A team of armed police men invaded my compound and threatened to shoot me and my supporters if we didn’t disperse,” adding that the officer allegedly claimed he was acting on superior orders to stop the rally.

The ADC described the incident as part of what it termed a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition political actors in Cross River State. The party said it had formally notified the police command of its planned rally, but received no response before officers allegedly deployed heavily at the venue.

“The police did not reply to any sort of information link to avert or otherwise, only to wake up and see the streets and venue of the rally being ambushed by armed police men of more than 100,” the petition stated.

The party further alleged that the Area Commander made threatening remarks that could escalate tensions. It described the actions as “a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the state,” warning that such conduct undermines constitutional democracy.

ADC maintained that its members have constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly, stressing that no authority has the legal mandate to harass or threaten law-abiding political participants.

The petition was copied to the Police Service Commission, Public Complaints Commission, ADC State Chairman, and human rights organisations, calling for investigation and intervention.

However, in a press statement issued on February 27, 2026, the Cross River State Police Command rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and inconsistent with the actual events.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stated that the incident involved a defection rally organised by a former Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, which coincided with the APC Local Government Congress election at the same location.

According to the statement, police authorities had advised rally organisers to reschedule in order to prevent potential clashes and maintain public order, but the organisers proceeded with the event.

The police said the situation escalated when participants allegedly blocked a major highway, prompting security personnel to intervene.

“During the rally, participants blocked a major highway, prompting the deployment of smoke canisters to restore order. Eleven persons were arrested and released on bail the same day,” the statement said.

The Command emphasised that the Area Commander acted under the Commissioner of Police’s directive and within the law to ensure public safety and prevent violence.

“The Area Commander acted under the directive of the Commissioner of Police to maintain public safety and ensure peaceful political activity,” the police said, adding that the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and committed to enforcing the law without political bias.

The development highlights growing political tensions in parts of Cross River State ahead of future political activities, with opposition parties raising concerns about alleged suppression. At the same time, security authorities insist their interventions are aimed solely at maintaining law and order. (The Guardian)