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- APC denies involvement
By Adewale Sanyaolu
Political tension escalated in Cross River State on Friday as gunmen allegedly attacked the consultation tour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, in Calabar South, leaving three persons injured and several vehicles damaged.
The incident, which reportedly disrupted meetings at two locations, has heightened concerns over the security of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PDP demanding urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further violence.
Javis-Archibong, who disclosed the attacks, alleged that gunmen first invaded a meeting at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where three persons sustained injuries.
He said the victims were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
According to him, the violence later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, where another meeting had been scheduled, with hoodlums allegedly shooting at the party’s convoy and damaging vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team and supporters.
The governorship candidate said about 3,000 supporters attended the exercise, adding that the party had notified the police ahead of the engagements and expected adequate security arrangements.
Rather than engage the attackers in a confrontation, he said the party’s supporters moved their convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.
“We have restrained our supporters from retaliating because we believe in the rule of law,” he said.
Javis-Archibong disclosed that the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the attacks.
He warned that continued disruption of political activities could undermine democratic participation and trigger a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Reacting, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, condemned the incidents, describing them as disturbing attacks on the party’s democratic consultations.
Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, urging security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
He also appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, insisting that political consultations must not become platforms for violence and intimidation.
However, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied responsibility for the attacks.
The APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the party was focused on its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed awareness of the reported incidents, saying it had deployed personnel to the affected locations.
The Command said it was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and destruction of property, adding that the situation was under control.
It also disclosed that police presence and surveillance had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
