NDC condemns attack on PDP campaign in Cross River

… Demand impartial probe of police conduct

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has demanded an impartial investigation into the conduct of the police following the attack on the Peoples Democratic Party governorship campaign in Calabar South, Cross River State.

The State Publicity Secretary of the Party, Comrade Cletus Amawu in a statement condemned the disruption of the campaign train of the PDP candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, describing it as a dangerous slide into political intolerance.

The party said what happened in Calabar was not a mere disruption but a coordinated attempt to shut down opposition voices barely a year to the 2027 general elections.

The PDP campaign team was attacked at the African Club venue along Calabar Road where a town hall and stakeholder engagement was scheduled.

The incident came hours after a similar disturbance at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, where three persons were reportedly injured after the PDP convoy allegedly came under attack.

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incidents and said it is verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.

But the NDC said it is particularly worried about the role of security agencies.

“We are concerned about the circumstances surrounding the African Club engagement, where the PDP campaign team had reportedly assembled for its scheduled meeting and was denied access,” Comrade Amawu said.

“We call on the Cross River State Police Command and all other security agencies to remain strictly neutral. No political party should be prevented from engaging citizens peacefully and lawfully,” it stated.

The NDC also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to uphold democratic civility and protect the state’s culture of peace.

The party warned against actions capable of overheating the polity as preparations for 2027 gather momentum, noting that Cross River has long been known for peace, hospitality and tolerance.

It commended the PDP team for restraining its supporters from retaliation and for seeking the protection of the Commissioner of Police.