Blood and bullets rock Calabar as gunmen storm PDP consultations

Tension exploded across Calabar South on Friday as suspected thugs opened fire on Peoples Democratic Party supporters during high-profile consultative meetings led by the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, leaving three people with gunshot wounds and several vehicles badly damaged.

The violence began at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where Archibong, his running mate Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, state chairman Barrister Venatius Ikem and other party leaders were meeting with supporters.

Gunmen stormed the gathering, disrupting the event and wounding three people who were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The mayhem continued at the African Club along Calabar Road, where a second consultation had been scheduled. Attackers opened fire on the PDP convoy, vandalised vehicles belonging to campaign team members and supporters, snatched phones and video cameras, and destroyed campaign materials said to be worth millions of naira before fleeing on motorcycles.

Party officials alleged that the assailants wore APC colours and chanted slogans including “Cross River is for Otu and APC, no room for opposition here.” About 3,000 supporters present were forced to scatter for safety.

Archibong said the party had duly informed the police of the meetings in advance and expected adequate security, but still faced the attacks.

“We restrained our supporters from retaliating because we do not want to compound the situation or take the law into our own hands,” Archibong told journalists. The convoy later moved to the office of the Commissioner of Police seeking protection. He warned that repeated disruptions could undermine preparations for the 2027 elections and vowed that the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies.

PDP State Publicity Secretary Prince Mike Ojisi described the incidents as “disturbing attacks” and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. The party appealed to its members to remain calm and avoid reprisals while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political engagement.

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The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State firmly denied any involvement. State Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Inyang said the APC was focused on its own activities and advised the PDP to look elsewhere for the culprits. Police have not independently confirmed any link to the ruling party.

Cross River State Police Command confirmed it was aware of the reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage in Calabar South. In a statement, Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah said personnel had been deployed to the affected locations, the situation was under control, and investigations were ongoing. Residents were urged to remain calm, avoid the areas where necessary and refrain from circulating unverified information. No arrests had been announced by late Friday.

The dual attacks have heightened political tensions in the state capital as parties ramp up activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh concerns about the safety of opposition campaigns and the capacity of security agencies to guarantee a level playing field.