Police and other security operatives on Wednesday averted a possible clash between hundreds of supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political movement and a group of All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred as the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, prepared to host a presidential town hall meeting featuring Obi and Kwankwaso, its presidential candidate and running mate, respectively.
The NDC event coincided with a street rally by supporters of the ruling APC, who had mobilised in large numbers around the same area.
The development created tension as both groups converged near a popular hotel close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the NDC meeting was scheduled to be held.
The security operatives intervened to separate the groups, diverting the APC crowd, which included members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and other party supporters.
Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters also gathered in front of the hotel, partially blocking the Murtala Mohammed Highway in an apparent effort to prevent the APC supporters from accessing the venue.
A police officer, who declined to disclose his name, said the intervention was necessary to prevent violence.
“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” he said.
The management of the hotel subsequently restricted access to its premises as security operatives maintained order around the facility.
Although officials of both political camps had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report, some senior APC officials were seen leaving the vicinity of the NDC meeting.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with the groups prevented a possible confrontation.
Akata said the incident involved participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters who were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s office.
He said police officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of the hotel.
According to him, the operatives appealed to the parties to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.