Security operatives have prevented a possible political confrontation between supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, amid heightened political activities surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential town hall meeting featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The development reportedly created tension in the area as supporters of the opposition political movement and members of the ruling APC converged around the same location, raising concerns about a possible breakdown of law and order.
How the Incident Happened
The tension emerged as the NDC prepared to host a presidential town hall meeting featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who are the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, respectively.
The event coincided with a street rally organised by APC supporters, who had mobilised in large numbers around the same area.
Both political groups reportedly gathered near a popular hotel close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the NDC meeting was scheduled to take place.
The situation became tense as 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 conducting their political activities.
The presence of the rival groups created fears of a possible confrontation.
Police Intervene to Prevent Violence
Police officers and other security personnel quickly intervened to separate the rival groups and prevent the situation from escalating into physical violence.
Security operatives reportedly diverted the APC supporters away from the vicinity of the hotel while appealing to members of both camps to exercise restraint.
A police officer familiar with the intervention reportedly warned that the situation could have resulted in serious violence without the timely intervention of security personnel.
The management of the hotel subsequently restricted access to its premises as security operatives maintained order around the facility.
Police Confirm Incident
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with the political groups prevented a possible confrontation.
According to the police spokesperson, the incident involved participants attending the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters who were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
He explained that security operatives promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of the hotel.
The police appealed to political supporters to maintain peace, exercise restraint and ensure that their political activities were conducted within the provisions of the law.
Political Tensions Ahead of 2027 Elections
The incident has raised fresh concerns about political tolerance and the growing rivalry among political parties as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
With political parties and their supporters intensifying mobilisation across different states, security agencies are expected to maintain vigilance to prevent disagreements between rival groups from developing into violence.
The development also highlights the importance of allowing political parties and their candidates to organise meetings, rallies and other legitimate activities without intimidation or unnecessary confrontation.
Call for Political Tolerance
The police intervention has reinforced calls for political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, particularly as competition for political influence ahead of the 2027 elections intensifies.
Although political disagreements are inevitable in a democratic society, stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that differences in political affiliation do not threaten public safety.
As activities surrounding the NDC town hall meeting continue, attention remains on the ability of security agencies to maintain order and prevent further confrontations between supporters of rival political parties.