‘We want only APC’: Hoodlums disrupt ADC secretariat commissioning in Bakassi

…LG Chairman Denies Knowledge; Police Launch Investigation

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

Suspected political thugs on Saturday, March 14, 2026, disrupted the commissioning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, attacking party members and destroying property.

The incident occurred amid growing allegations of opposition intimidation in the state. Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums stormed the venue, scattered canopies, and smashed chairs, tables and sound equipment while reportedly shouting that only the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be allowed to operate in Bakassi.

A video circulating on social media showed the attackers pulling down structures at the venue. Sources also alleged that a Department of State Services (DSS) operative who was monitoring the event was assaulted, with his clothes reportedly torn during the chaos.

The disruption has drawn criticism from political observers, who warned that such acts threaten democratic principles and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Bakassi resident, Samuel Edet, described the attack as dangerous for the state’s democratic culture.

“This is political intimidation against citizens and it has never happened in Cross River. If we do not stop it early, we may all pay for it later,” he said.

Effiong Nyong, the ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Cross River State, also condemned the incident, describing it as a sign of growing political intolerance.

However, when contacted, the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon, said he was not aware of any ADC activity in the area.

“I am not aware of such incident,” he said.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the disruption, stating that hoodlums scattered canopies, chairs and sound equipment at the venue.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report, but investigations were ongoing.

“The group disrupted the gathering by scattering canopies, chairs and sound systems at the venue. Although no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report, police personnel and tactical teams have been stationed in the area to prevent further escalation,” he said.

Vanguard gathered that the attack follows a pattern of alleged interference with ADC activities in the state. On March 10, 2026, security operatives reportedly sealed a venue in Calabar scheduled for the inauguration of the party’s Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation Committee.

Earlier, a similar action was reported in Ogoja Local Government Area during a reception organised for defecting members.

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