The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Cross River State, has strongly condemned the recent gunfire attack on members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during a consultation visit in Calabar. The state IPAC Chairman, Effiom Edet Okon, described the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable. He emphasized that political consultation is not warfare and campaigns are not battles. Okon's reaction comes after a governorship candidate, Arthur Jarvis Archibong, led a consultation visit to the paramount ruler, which was disrupted by gunfire.
The gunfire incident allegedly disrupted and dispersed PDP supporters, leaving many injured and vehicles damaged during the ensuing stampede. The state Police Command confirmed the incident and has reinforced its presence in the area, with investigations underway. IPAC has called on all political parties, aspirants, candidates, supporters, and political actors in Cross River State to exercise restraint as consultations and party activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
IPAC Chairman Effiom Edet Okon stressed that the democratic process gives every political party and aspirant the constitutional right to consult with citizens, traditional institutions, and stakeholders without intimidation, harassment, or violence. He warned that disagreements within or between political parties should not degenerate into physical confrontation, destruction of property, or the use of weapons.
Okon advised political parties to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, reconciliation, and established mechanisms. He also urged parties to handle disagreements through mature political engagement, negotiation, and lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms. IPAC emphasized that there must be no politics of violence in Cross River State.
The council particularly appealed to political party leaders to caution their supporters against provocation and retaliation. Okon noted that political leaders have a responsibility to control their followers. IPAC's reaction aims to promote peaceful and mature political engagement in Cross River State.
The incident has raised concerns about the level of violence in the state's political landscape. IPAC's call for restraint and peaceful engagement is seen as a move to prevent further escalation of violence. The council's statement has been welcomed by stakeholders, who are advocating for a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for political actors to prioritize peaceful engagement and respect for the democratic process.
Key points
- IPAC condemns gunfire attack on PDP members in Calabar.
- The incident left many injured and vehicles damaged.
- IPAC calls for restraint and peaceful engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
