Police intervene to stop clash between NDC and APC supporters in Calabar

Security forces and law enforcement agencies stepped in on Wednesday in Calabar, Cross River State, to avert a potential violent confrontation between followers of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and a significant gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) backers. The situation arose while the NDC was making arrangements for a presidential town‑hall event that would feature its candidate, Peter Obi, alongside his vice‑presidential partner, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The meeting was slated for a hotel along the Murtala Mohammed Highway, close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

Hundreds of Obi‑Kwankwaso supporters gathered in front of the hotel, partially blocking the highway in what appeared to be an effort to stop the APC crowd from reaching the venue. Concurrently, an APC assembly, composed of members from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other loyal party members, was conducting a march along the same route heading toward the Governor’s Office. Tensions rose as the two groups converged in front of the hotel.

Security operatives quickly separated the crowds and diverted the APC supporters away from the hotel. Law enforcement personnel urged both factions to remain calm and preserve order, as reported by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Public Relations Officer for the Cross River State Police. The officer said the intervention was essential to avoid a “bloody scene.” After the police action, hotel management restricted access to its premises while security personnel continued to monitor the area.

Background

The NDC, a relatively new political formation, organised the town‑hall meeting as part of its campaign ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Peter Obi, a former governor, is the party’s presidential candidate, with former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate. The event was scheduled for a hotel on the Murtala Mohammed Highway, a major thoroughfare near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, a venue often used for large public gatherings.

The APC, the ruling party at the federal level, mobilised a sizable rally in the same neighbourhood, planning a road walk that would culminate at the Governor’s Office. The rally attracted ALGON members and other party loyalists, reflecting the party’s effort to maintain visibility in the region. Both political camps had not issued comments on the incident at the time of reporting, though senior APC officials were observed leaving the vicinity of the NDC meeting.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the volatile nature of Nigeria’s pre‑election environment, where large political gatherings can quickly become flashpoints for conflict. The presence of hundreds of supporters from both camps in a confined area underscored the risk of violence, especially when rival groups attempt to block each other's movements. By averting a clash, police helped preserve public order in Calabar, a key city in the oil‑rich South‑South region.

The security response also signals the authorities’ willingness to intervene promptly to prevent electoral‑related violence, a concern that has featured in past election cycles. Maintaining peace during campaign activities is crucial for the credibility of the electoral process and for safeguarding citizens’ right to assemble.

What happens next

Police confirmed that the NDC town‑hall meeting proceeded without further incident, although Obi and Kwankwaso had not yet arrived at the venue at the time of the report. Security operatives remained on site to ensure the continued safety of participants and to monitor any further attempts at confrontation. No further statements from either political camp were recorded, and no arrests were reported.

The incident may prompt both parties to reassess crowd‑control strategies for future rallies, particularly in areas where multiple political events overlap. Continued vigilance by security forces will be essential as the election campaign intensifies across the country.