Police Avert Clash as Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Face Tension with APC Crowd in Calabar

Police Avert Clash as Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Face Tension with APC Crowd in Calabar

Police operatives and other security agencies have prevented a possible confrontation between supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and those of 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 meeting featuring Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, respectively.

According to reports, tension erupted when supporters of the NDC and members of the APC converged around a popular hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the town hall meeting was scheduled to take place.

The development coincided with a street rally and road walk organised by APC supporters towards the Cross River State Government House.

The convergence of the two political groups reportedly created tension, with hundreds of supporters gathering around the hotel hosting the NDC event.

Some NDC supporters were also said to have occupied parts of the highway, partially obstructing traffic in an apparent effort to prevent the APC crowd from accessing the vicinity.

Security operatives subsequently intervened, separating the groups and redirecting the APC supporters away from the hotel to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

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A police officer, who spoke anonymously, described the intervention as necessary to prevent what could have escalated into violence.

“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” the officer reportedly said.

Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged around the hotel.

According to him, the police appealed to the supporters to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their political activities were conducted within the provisions of the law.

He explained that the incident involved participants attending the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

Meanwhile, hotel management reportedly restricted access to its premises as security personnel maintained order around the facility.

As of the time of filing the report, neither the NDC nor the APC had issued an official statement concerning the incident.

Some senior APC officials were reportedly seen leaving the vicinity, while supporters of both political camps continued to gather around the venue.

The incident comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters intensifying activities across the country.

It has once again drawn attention to the responsibility of security agencies to protect political gatherings and ensure that supporters of different parties can exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or violence.