Mayhem broke out in Calabar on Friday as suspected hoodlums believed to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly opened fire on the campaign convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong.
The incident occurred during a political engagement involving Archibong, his running mate, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, PDP State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, party leaders and supporters at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South.
Archibong said that the meeting was disrupted when the suspected attackers opened fire, leaving three persons with gunshot injuries.
He revealed the victims were rushed to hospital for treatment.
According to him, the situation later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, where another political engagement had been scheduled.
He alleged that the hoodlums opened fire on the PDP convoy and vandalised vehicles belonging to members of the campaign team and party supporters.
Giving a separate account, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, narrated that the attackers fled the scene on motorcycles after snatching phones and video cameras from some participants.
He also claimed that campaign materials worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack.
The PDP stated that the attackers were dressed in APC colours and chanted slogans in support of Governor Bassey Otu and the APC.
Archibong said about 3,000 supporters at the venue were forced to flee for safety, disrupting the consultation.
He said the party had duly notified the police ahead of the exercise but was still confronted with violence.
“We restrained our supporters from retaliating because we do not want to compound the situation or take the law into our own hands,” Archibong said.
He disclosed that the convoy subsequently proceeded to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.
Archibong hinted that the party would petition the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other relevant security agencies over the incident.
He warned that continued attacks on political activities could undermine the democratic process and threaten public order as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
The PDP condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and prosecute them in accordance with the law.
The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, stressing that political consultation and democratic participation should not be disrupted by violence.
However, the APC denied responsibility for the incident.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, urged the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible, adding that the APC remained focused on its political activities.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Command said police personnel had been deployed to the affected locations and that the situation was under control.
The Command said it was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property, while advising residents to remain calm and avoid affected areas where necessary.
It also warned against the circulation of unverified information, assuring residents that police presence and monitoring had been strengthened to maintain peace and public order.
The incident comes amid heightened political activities in Cross River ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties intensifying consultations and mobilisation across the state.
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