Police and other security operatives have prevented a possible clash between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) prepared to host a presidential town hall featuring Obi and Kwankwaso.
At the same time, APC supporters held a street rally around the same area. The two groups gathered near a hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Their simultaneous activities created tension and raised concerns about a possible confrontation.
Police Separate Rival Political Supporters
Security operatives quickly intervened to separate the groups and redirect the APC supporters away from the hotel.
Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters had gathered outside the venue. They also partially blocked Murtala Mohammed Highway in an apparent attempt to stop the APC crowd from reaching the hotel.
The APC group reportedly included members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other party supporters.
A police officer, who declined to give his name, said the intervention helped prevent possible violence.
“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” the officer said.
The hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises. Security operatives also maintained their presence around the facility.
Cross River Police Confirm Intervention
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata.
Akata said officers engaged both groups when they converged outside the hotel.
He explained that the incident involved participants at the NDC presidential town hall and APC supporters conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
According to him, officers appealed to both sides to exercise restraint and maintain peace.
He added that the command’s timely intervention prevented a possible confrontation.
Some senior APC officials reportedly left the area as security operatives maintained order.
However, officials from both political camps had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of reporting.
The incident comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. It also highlights concerns about peaceful political activities and the need to respect the rights of rival supporters.
