NDC CRS Reacts On Police Lockout, Hooligan Attack On Arthur Jarvis PDP Campaign In Calabar

NDC CRS Reacts On Police Lockout, Hooligan Attack On Arthur Jarvis PDP Campaign In Calabar

NDC demands security neutrality, urges Governor Otu and APC to uphold democratic civility and protect Cross River’s culture of peace

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Cross River State, condemns in totality the reported disruption of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign and consultative engagements led by its candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, in Calabar South on Friday, 2 October 2026.

Our condemnation follows reports that the PDP campaign train was prevented from accessing the African Club venue along Calabar Road, Calabar, where the party had scheduled a town hall and stakeholder engagement, after which violence reportedly erupted, with vehicles damaged and persons injured.

This development is disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society. No political party, candidate or group should be prevented from engaging citizens peacefully and lawfully.

The incident came barely a few hours after a similar disturbance at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, where three persons were reportedly injured and the PDP subsequently alleged that its convoy came under attack, with several vehicles damaged. The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incidents and stated that it is verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and property damage.

The NDC is particularly concerned about the circumstances surrounding the African Club engagement, where the PDP campaign team had reportedly assembled for its scheduled town hall meeting.

We therefore call on the Cross River State Police Command and all other security agencies to remain strictly neutral, professional and non-partisan in the handling of political activities across the state.

We urge the police and other security agencies to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

We also appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate the magnanimity, tolerance and civility expected of political leaders entrusted with public authority.

The Governor and the ruling party must recognise that Cross River State belongs to every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, and that democratic governance requires sufficient space for opposition parties to organise, consult, campaign and present alternative political programmes to the electorate.

We therefore call on Governor Otu and the APC to embrace the highest ideals of democratic civility and political tolerance. Political differences should be settled through dialogue, lawful political engagement and ultimately through the ballot, not intimidation or violence.

We warn against any action or conduct capable of overheating the political atmosphere in Cross River State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Cross River State has long been associated with peace, hospitality, dialogue and a tolerant political culture. That heritage must not be sacrificed on the altar of political competition. Political power is temporary; the peace, unity and stability of the state belong to generations yet unborn.

We commend the reported decision by the PDP campaign team to restrain its supporters from retaliating and instead seek the protection of the Commissioner of Police. Such restraint underscores the responsibility of all political actors to resist provocation and allow the law to take its course.

We equally call on the PDP and all other political parties to conduct their activities within the law and urge their supporters to avoid reprisals, provocation and inflammatory actions.

We also condemn what we consider the hasty and petty response of the APC Cross River State Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, who reportedly urged the PDP to “look elsewhere” for those responsible. Such a position is premature when the police have stated that their investigation is ongoing and have not publicly attributed responsibility for the reported violence to any political party;
Rather than engage in premature blame-trading, political leaders should allow the security agencies to investigate and establish the facts.

We therefore call on the security agencies to investigate all aspects of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported denial of access to the African Club, the subsequent violence, alleged gunfire, injuries and destruction of property, without fear or favour.

We insist that justice must be based on evidence and that no individual or political organisation should be shielded if found culpable.

Democracy is about competition, but competition must be governed by rules. Opposition is not a crime. Political consultation is not a security threat, and the right of citizens to assemble peacefully cannot be selectively protected.

We call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth leaders, professional bodies and other stakeholders to encourage responsible political engagement and speak firmly against violence in all its forms.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) reaffirms its commitment to peaceful democratic participation and calls on all political parties to ensure that the 2027 electoral process in Cross River State allows every candidate and citizen to freely express political preferences without fear or intimidation.

Let us preserve the Cross River’s peace.
Let us allow democracy to breathe.

Signed:
Comrade Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
State Publicity Secretary
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Cross River State