By Ade Oyeyemi
The Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State have exchanged accusations over an attack that disrupted the PDP’s consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area.
The PDP alleged that gunmen stormed two venues where its consultations were being held on Friday, shooting at the gatherings, injuring three people and damaging vehicles belonging to party members and supporters.
The APC, however, denied any involvement in the incident, while the Cross River State Police Command said it had deployed personnel to the affected areas and commenced an investigation.
The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, condemned the reported attack and called on security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Ojisi said the party had reported the incidents to the state Commissioner of Police and urged its members and supporters to remain calm and shun any form of retaliation.
“Political consultations should not be turned into avenues for bloodshed,” he said.
The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, who led the consultation team, said trouble started at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I.
According to him, suspected hoodlums disrupted the meeting, leaving three people injured and requiring medical attention.
He said another incident occurred at the African Club along Calabar Road, where vehicles belonging to members of the consultation team and supporters were allegedly vandalised.
Javis-Archibong further alleged that gunmen opened fire on the party’s convoy during the incident.
He claimed that about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation and said the party had notified the police ahead of the programme, expecting adequate security arrangements.
The governorship candidate said the supporters resisted the urge to retaliate and instead proceeded 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 added that the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the incident.
He warned that repeated disruptions of political activities could threaten the electoral process and create security concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the APC dismissed allegations linking it to the attack.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Emmanuel Inyang, said the APC was focused on its own political activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.
Meanwhile, the state police command confirmed that it was investigating the reported incidents.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command said it was aware of reports of incidents during political activities in Calabar South, including allegations of gunfire, injuries and property damage.
READ ALSO
- PDP, APC clash over alleged attack on consultation meeting
- Police deploy DIG to lead rescue of 20 abducted corps members
- PDP Deputy Gov candidate, Sowunmi-Kolapo, installed Ogun Muslim Council Grand Matron
- Nigeria at 66: We have strayed from founding fathers dream- – Lawal
- OSCO-HEALTH Board congratulates Adeleke, approves new measures to strengthen college
“Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control. The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage,” the statement said.
The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid the affected areas where necessary and refrain from spreading unverified information.
