At least three people were reportedly injured after suspected gunmen disrupted two consultative meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The incidents occurred at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, and the African Club along Calabar Road, where the party had scheduled engagements with community leaders and other stakeholders.

The PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, disclosed the incidents while speaking with journalists after the meetings were disrupted.

According to him, the first incident happened at the paramount ruler’s palace, where suspected attackers allegedly disrupted the gathering and left three people injured. He said the victims were taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Javis-Archibong further alleged that the situation deteriorated at the African Club, where another consultation was scheduled to take place. He claimed that vehicles belonging to members of the party’s consultation team and supporters were damaged, while the party’s convoy was also reportedly targeted.

The PDP candidate said approximately 3,000 supporters attended the consultation exercise and maintained that the party had notified the police ahead of the meetings.

He added that party members were restrained from retaliating and that the convoy instead proceeded to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.

Javis-Archibong warned that disruptions of political gatherings could threaten peaceful political participation as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue. He also indicated that the party intended to petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.

In a separate reaction, PDP State Publicity Secretary Mike Ojisi condemned the incidents and called on security agencies to investigate and bring anyone found responsible to justice.

Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State. He also appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid any retaliatory action.

The party expressed solidarity with the injured supporters and called on political stakeholders to allow consultations and other democratic activities to take place without intimidation or violence.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied any involvement in the incidents.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the APC was focused on its own political activities and urged the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed awareness of the reported incidents and said officers had been deployed to the affected locations.

Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah stated that the situation was under control, while the command was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.

The police also advised residents to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary and refrain from sharing unverified information. It said monitoring and police presence had been strengthened to maintain public order.

As of the latest reports reviewed, the police had not publicly identified those responsible for the incidents or attributed the attacks to any political party or group. The APC’s denial also means allegations of political involvement should not be treated as established facts while investigations continue.

The incident has renewed attention on the need to protect political gatherings and ensure that parties, candidates and citizens can participate in the political process without fear of intimidation or violence ahead of the 2027 elections.