The Cross River State Government has denied allegations that supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were responsible for the attack on the convoy of the opposition figure, Mr. Peter Obi, in Calabar.
The Government, in a statement dated November 5, 2026 and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, described the allegation as "untrue, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to misrepresent the peace-loving people of Cross River State."
The denial follows reports of a violent disturbance near Watt Market in the state capital where vehicles were allegedly damaged.
According to the statement, the altercation was not orchestrated by APC supporters but was a result of an internal crisis within the opposition camp.
The Government said findings by State agents indicated that the disruption was an "internal implosion by individuals aggrieved over being used and dumped in the past" by the opposition party.
It added that irritated supporters, fearing a repeat of past political neglect, turned their anger inward and damaged vehicles belonging to their own faction.
"Individuals caught on camera causing unrest were openly displaying NDC insignia. That is not APC. That is not our character. That is not our conduct," the statement said.
Reaffirming the State's reputation as Nigeria's tourism capital, Commissioner Cobham said the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to hospitality, culture and issue-based politics.
He said the Government rejects attempts to drag the State into "the politics of propaganda and staged incidents."
The statement also questioned the logic of the allegation, noting that Government and party supporters were still recovering from hosting the President barely 48 hours before the incident.
"Nobody had the energy, interest, or rationale to organize an attack on an opposition convoy," it stated.
The Government challenged those promoting the attack narrative to produce verifiable evidence linking any APC member to the disruption.
It called on law enforcement agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, unmask the real perpetrators and hold accountable those attempting to sow discord in the State.
The Government assured residents, business owners and visitors of their safety and reiterated its resolve to preserve the peace in Calabar and protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
