Tension as Obi/Kwankwaso supporters clash with APC supporters in Calabar, police intervene

Police operatives have intervened to prevent a possible confrontation between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s political movement and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) prepared to hold a presidential town hall meeting featuring Obi, its presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso, his running mate.

Reports said tension developed when NDC supporters gathered around a hotel on Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, while APC supporters were conducting a street rally and road walk towards the Cross River State Government House.

The presence of the rival political groups in the same area raised concerns about a possible confrontation, prompting security operatives to intervene and separate the crowds.

Police Confirm Intervention

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying its officers engaged members of both groups and urged them to exercise restraint.

Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said the intervention helped prevent a possible confrontation between participants at the NDC town hall meeting and APC supporters conducting their rally.

The command called on the groups to maintain peace and ensure that their political activities were conducted lawfully and without violence.

A police officer quoted anonymously in reports said the intervention was necessary to prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially violent encounter.

Hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises while security personnel maintained order in the surrounding area.

Although the incident generated tension, the available reports did not establish that Obi’s convoy had been physically attacked or that anyone had sustained injuries.

Political Activities Intensify Ahead of 2027

The incident occurred as Obi and Kwankwaso continued their political engagements under the NDC platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Their town hall meeting in Calabar attracted a large crowd, with reports indicating that the venue became congested as supporters and residents gathered to participate in or observe the event.

The simultaneous presence of rival political groups created a security challenge, particularly as crowds gathered around the meeting venue and access roads.

The incident has highlighted the importance of coordinating political rallies and public gatherings to reduce the risk of confrontations between supporters of competing parties.

Security Concerns Ahead of the General Election

The episode comes amid concerns about political tolerance and public safety as parties and candidates intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political rallies, town hall meetings and campaign visits are central to democratic participation. However, tensions can arise when rival groups converge in the same locations, particularly where traffic congestion, competing mobilisation efforts or disputes over access to venues develop.

The police intervention in Calabar prevented the reported disagreement from escalating into a physical confrontation. The command has urged political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and conduct their activities peacefully.

The reports reviewed did not establish that either the NDC or APC had formally accused the other of organising an attack.

For now, the established account is that police separated rival political supporters in Calabar as Obi and Kwankwaso prepared for their town hall meeting. Claims that Obi’s convoy was attacked would require additional confirmation from the candidates, their campaign officials or security authorities.

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