The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has condemned the reported disruption of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign led by its candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, in Calabar South, calling for a thorough investigation into the incidents.

 

The party expressed concern over reports that the PDP campaign team was denied access to the African Club venue along Calabar Road, Calabar, where it had scheduled a town hall meeting and stakeholder engagement on Friday, October 2, 2026.

 

According to the NDC, violence reportedly broke out following the development, leaving some persons injured and vehicles damaged.

 

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Cletus Albert Amawu, the party described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society, insisting that every political party must be allowed to engage citizens peacefully and lawfully.

 

The NDC also recalled reports of an earlier disturbance at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, where three persons were reportedly injured. The PDP had subsequently alleged that its campaign convoy was attacked, resulting in damage to several vehicles.

 

The party noted that the Cross River State Police Command had confirmed the incidents and stated that it was verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.

 

Expressing particular concern about the circumstances surrounding the African Club engagement, the NDC called on the police and other security agencies to remain neutral and professional in handling political activities across the state.

 

It urged the security agencies to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.

 

The party also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate political tolerance and uphold democratic principles by allowing opposition parties to organise meetings, consult stakeholders and present their programmes to voters without intimidation.

 

According to the NDC, Cross River State belongs to all its citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, adding that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and the ballot box rather than violence.

 

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The party warned that actions capable of escalating political tensions must be avoided as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

 

It further stressed the need to preserve the state’s reputation for peace, hospitality and political tolerance, noting that the pursuit of political power should not come at the expense of unity and stability.

 

The NDC commended the reported decision of the PDP campaign team to restrain its supporters from retaliating and instead seek the protection of the Commissioner of Police.

 

It described the action as a demonstration of responsible political conduct, while urging the PDP and other political parties to ensure that their supporters avoid reprisals, provocation and inflammatory statements.

 

The party also criticised the response attributed to the APC’s Cross River State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, who reportedly urged the PDP to look elsewhere for those responsible for the incident.

 

Amawu described the response as premature, arguing that the police had not publicly identified those responsible for the reported violence and that investigations were still ongoing.

 

He maintained that political leaders should allow the security agencies to establish the facts rather than engage in premature accusations.

 

The NDC consequently called for an investigation into all aspects of the incident, including the reported denial of access to the African Club, the subsequent violence, alleged gunfire, injuries and destruction of property.

 

It insisted that the investigation must be conducted without fear or favour and that no individual or political organisation should be protected if found culpable.

 

The party further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and professional bodies to promote peaceful political engagement and speak out against violence.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, the NDC urged all political parties to ensure that the 2027 electoral process in Cross River State allows candidates and citizens to express their political preferences freely without fear or intimidation.

 

The statement concluded with a call to preserve the state’s peace and uphold democratic values as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.