Police Prevent Clash Between Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters and APC Crowd in Calabar

Police and other security operatives have prevented a possible clash between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political movement and members 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 Obi and Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, respectively.

The NDC event coincided with a street rally by APC supporters, who had gathered in large numbers around the same location, creating tension as both groups converged near a popular hotel close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the town hall meeting was scheduled to take place.

Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters gathered in front of the hotel, while APC supporters, including members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), were also mobilised in the area.

The situation became tense as the NDC supporters partially blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent the APC crowd from accessing the venue.

Security operatives intervened by separating the groups and diverting the APC supporters to prevent a possible confrontation.

A police officer, who declined to disclose his identity, said the intervention was necessary to avert violence.

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

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

Although officials of both political groups had yet to publicly comment on the development as of the time of filing this report, some senior APC officials were seen leaving the vicinity of the NDC meeting.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the timely intervention of officers and their engagement with the groups prevented a possible clash.

Akata 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.

He said police officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of the hotel.

According to him, the operatives appealed to the supporters to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their political activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.