The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has condemned the shooting incident involving members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar, describing the development as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
The incident reportedly occurred during a consultation visit led by PDP governorship candidate Arthur Jarvis Archibong to a traditional ruler in the state.
Gunfire allegedly disrupted the gathering and caused PDP supporters and other people in the area to flee. Several supporters and bystanders were reportedly injured during the ensuing stampede, while vehicles were also damaged.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and said it had reinforced security in the area and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
IPAC Condemns Political Violence
Reacting to the incident, Cross River State IPAC Chairman, Effiom Edet Okon, said political activities should not be treated as warfare and urged political actors to embrace peace as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify.
Okon said political consultation was not warfare, campaigns were not battles and political opponents should not be regarded as enemies.
He stressed that every political party and aspirant has a constitutional and democratic right to engage with citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders without intimidation or violence.
“The democratic process gives every political party and every aspirant the constitutional and democratic right to consult with citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders without intimidation, harassment or violence,” the IPAC chairman said.
IPAC Calls for Restraint
The council called on political parties, aspirants, candidates, supporters and other political actors across Cross River State to exercise restraint as political consultations and preparations for the 2027 elections increase.
IPAC warned that disagreements within political parties or between opposing parties should not escalate into physical confrontation, destruction of property, threats, intimidation or the use of weapons.
The council urged political parties to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, reconciliation and established party mechanisms.
It similarly called for disputes between political parties to be handled through mature political engagement, negotiation and lawful dispute-resolution processes.
“There must be no politics of violence in Cross River State,” Okon said.
IPAC Appeals to Political Leaders
The council also appealed to political party leaders to caution their supporters against provocation and retaliation.
According to IPAC, political leaders have a responsibility to control their followers and ensure that political disagreements do not result in violence.
The council’s warning comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, with parties and aspirants expected to increase consultations, mobilisation and other grassroots activities.
IPAC urged all political stakeholders in Cross River State to prioritise peace and democratic engagement throughout the electoral process.
The council maintained that political disagreements should be settled through dialogue and lawful mechanisms rather than confrontation, threats or violence.