Police operatives on Wednesday stepped in to prevent a possible clash between supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The confrontation occurred around a hotel on Murtala Mohammed Highway, where the NDC was scheduled to hold a presidential town hall meeting involving its candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The APC supporters, who were also holding a street rally in the area, reportedly encountered the NDC crowd gathered outside the hotel, leading to rising tension.
The NDC supporters allegedly blocked part of the highway as the APC members approached the venue, triggering concerns over a possible breakdown of law and order.
Security personnel quickly moved in to separate the rival groups and redirect the APC supporters away from the hotel.
The hotel management subsequently restricted movement into its premises as officers maintained security around the gathering.
A police officer who spoke anonymously said the intervention prevented what could have turned into a violent confrontation.
“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” he said.
The Cross River State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident, explaining that officers engaged both groups and urged them to maintain peace.
He said the command’s intervention helped prevent a confrontation between participants at the NDC event and APC supporters conducting a rally towards the Governor’s Office.
Neither political camp had officially reacted to the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Some APC leaders were reportedly seen leaving the area, while Obi and Kwankwaso had yet to arrive at the venue.
Meanwhile, party supporters and other political figures continued to gather around the hotel.
