Gunmen disrupted two consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, on October 2, 2026. The incidents occurred at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of the area, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, and the African Club along Calabar Road. At least three persons were injured during the attacks, and were immediately evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
The PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, stated that the attackers opened fire during the consultation at the palace, resulting in the injuries. He alleged that the violence continued at the African Club, where vehicles belonging to members of the PDP consultative team and supporters were damaged. Archibong claimed that the party had notified the police of its activities and expected adequate security protection.
According to Archibong, about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, and despite the attacks, the party leadership restrained its members from retaliating. Instead, the party moved its convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection. Archibong warned that repeated disruption of political activities could undermine the democratic process and create an atmosphere of lawlessness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, appealed to party supporters to remain calm and condemned the attack on the party's consultation with traditional rulers and stakeholders. Eba stated that the injured supporters were stable and recovering, and called on security agencies to strengthen measures to protect lives and property. He urged political parties and stakeholders to reject violence and allow citizens to participate freely in the political process.
The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as disturbing attacks on the party's consultative engagements. Ojisi stated that the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, and urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable. The party appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and refrain from reprisals.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state denied involvement in the incidents, with the APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, stating that the party was focused on its own political activities. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the incidents and had deployed police personnel to the affected locations. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the reports of gunfire, injuries, and damage to property.
The police spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, 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. The PDP expressed solidarity with those injured and called on political actors to allow political consultations and other democratic activities to take place without intimidation or violence.
Key points
- Three people were injured during the attacks on the PDP consultative meetings.
- The incidents occurred at two locations in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.
- The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the reports of gunfire, injuries, and damage to property.
