The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denounced reported attacks on its campaign team in Cross River State, Nigeria. According to the party, armed men disrupted its consultations, vandalised vehicles and injured several supporters. The incident has been strongly condemned by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, released a statement on Monday night expressing the party's concerns.
The PDP has called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. The party also raised concerns over alleged political sponsorship of the attacks, claiming that the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, may have been involved. The PDP warned that the governor's days in office are limited, as the people will assess his performance and deliver their verdict through the ballot in 2027.
According to the party, the attackers allegedly fired sporadically during the incident, damaged campaign vehicles and left several supporters injured. The PDP described the reported incident as a threat to democratic participation and the right of political parties to engage with voters. The party emphasised that such incidents can undermine the democratic process and the ability of parties to reach out to their constituents.
The PDP has urged the governor to address concerns about his administration's performance rather than allow political tensions to escalate. The party called on the state government to account for the financial resources accruing to Cross River State and explain how they had been used. The PDP also questioned the administration's record on infrastructure, alleging that it had yet to demonstrate sufficient evidence of major projects initiated and completed during its tenure.
The PDP further claimed that some projects presented as achievements amounted to the repainting of existing structures. The party maintained that public funds should translate into improved infrastructure, employment opportunities and better living conditions. Elected officials must be accountable for their stewardship, according to the PDP. The party emphasised that public funds should be used to benefit the people, not just a select few.
The opposition party noted that Cross River needed leadership that prioritised residents' welfare. The PDP added that its candidates were consulting with voters and presenting an alternative vision for the state. The party vowed to continue its political activities despite the reported incident, urging residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding and to participate in the 2027 elections.
The PDP called on political actors to exercise restraint and urged security agencies to investigate the incident impartially, protect political stakeholders and prevent further violence. The party demanded that anyone found responsible for the attacks should be held accountable in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status. The PDP remains committed to peaceful and democratic means of achieving its goals.
Key points
- The PDP condemns the alleged attacks on its campaign team in Cross River State, Nigeria.
- The party calls on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
- The PDP questions the state governor's involvement in the alleged attacks and criticises his administration's performance.
