Francis Dufugha
…Obi, Kwankwaso town hall coincides with APC road walk as security operatives intervene
Police and other security operatives on Wednesday prevented a possible violent confrontation between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Calabar, Cross River State, amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred around the U.J. Esuene Stadium axis and Metropolitan Hotel along the busy Murtala Mohammed Highway, where supporters of both political parties converged during separate political activities.
According to reports, the NDC was scheduled to hold a presidential town hall meeting at Metropolitan Hotel featuring its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The event coincided with a street rally and road walk organised by APC supporters, who were heading towards the Cross River State Government House.
Tension reportedly heightened when hundreds of NDC supporters gathered around the hotel frontage while APC supporters, including members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other party faithful, approached the area.
The situation became increasingly tense as the two groups encountered each other, with portions of the Murtala Mohammed Highway reportedly obstructed, disrupting vehicular movement and commercial activities.
There were concerns that the disagreement could degenerate into violence as supporters of the rival political camps confronted one another.
However, security operatives swiftly moved in, separating the groups and diverting the APC supporters away from the hotel vicinity to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
A police officer, who spoke anonymously, described the intervention as necessary to prevent bloodshed.
“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” the officer said.
Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command’s timely intervention and constructive engagement helped avert a possible confrontation.
In a statement made available to journalists, Eitokpah explained that the incident involved participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters undertaking a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
He said police officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of Metropolitan Hotel, appealing to them to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Following the intervention, normalcy was restored in the area, while security personnel maintained surveillance around the hotel.
The hotel management also reportedly restricted access to its premises as security operatives continued to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, some senior APC officials were seen leaving the vicinity of the NDC meeting, while Obi and Kwankwaso had yet to arrive at the venue as of the time reports emerged.
The incident has renewed concerns over political rivalry and the possibility of violence as political parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police have consequently urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, respect the rights of other groups and avoid actions capable of threatening public order.
The command also warned that political activities must be conducted in accordance with the law to ensure the safety of residents and other road users.
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