Police operatives in Cross River State have prevented a possible confrontation between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after the two political groups converged near a hotel in Calabar on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on November 4, 2026, as the NDC prepared to host a presidential town hall meeting featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, while APC supporters were conducting a street rally in the same area.

According to reports, tension developed when supporters of both political groups gathered around a hotel near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the NDC event was scheduled to take place.

The situation reportedly escalated as the two groups converged along Murtala Mohammed Highway, with hundreds of NDC supporters gathered outside the hotel and APC supporters approaching during their rally towards the Cross River State Government House.

Security operatives subsequently intervened, separating the groups and redirecting the APC supporters to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

The hotel management also restricted access to its premises as security personnel maintained order around the venue.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said officers promptly engaged members of both groups and appealed to them to maintain peace.

He explained that the police intervention prevented a potential confrontation between participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

A police officer, who spoke anonymously, also described the intervention as necessary to prevent the situation from turning violent.

As of the time of filing this report, officials of the two political camps had not issued formal statements concerning the incident.

The development comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties and support groups stepping up activities across the country.

It also highlights concerns about political rivalry and the need for security agencies to ensure that supporters of different parties can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or violence.

Cross River State Police Command had earlier warned political parties and their supporters against violence, thuggery and inflammatory statements, assuring stakeholders that all parties would receive equal security protection for their lawful activities.

The police have continued to urge political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.