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

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) prepared to host a presidential town hall meeting featuring Obi, its presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso, his running mate.

Tension reportedly developed when the NDC event coincided with a street rally organised by APC supporters, with both groups converging around a popular hotel near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the town hall meeting was scheduled to take place.

Security operatives subsequently intervened to separate the opposing groups and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

The APC crowd, which reportedly included members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other party supporters, was diverted by security personnel.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters had gathered in front of the hotel, partially obstructing the Murtala Mohammed Highway in what was described as an attempt to prevent the APC supporters from accessing the venue.

A police officer, who spoke anonymously, said the intervention was necessary to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

The officer reportedly warned that without the timely intervention of security personnel, the confrontation could have resulted in serious bloodshed.

Following the incident, the hotel management restricted access to its premises while security operatives maintained order around the facility.

Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with both groups prevented a possible confrontation.

Akata explained that the incident involved participants attending the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

According to him, police officers promptly engaged the groups when they converged in front of the hotel, appealing to them to exercise restraint and maintain peace.

He urged political supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.

As of the time of reporting, officials of both political camps had not issued formal statements concerning the incident, although some senior APC officials were reportedly seen leaving the vicinity of the NDC meeting.

The development comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters intensifying activities across different parts of the country.

The police intervention highlights the importance of maintaining political tolerance, respecting the rights of opposing groups and preventing political activities from degenerating into violence.

Security agencies have continued to urge political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and prioritise public safety during political gatherings.