Praise Isioye
Tension heightened Wednesday as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed in Calabar, the Cross River State capital ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clash took place near the U.J. Esuene stadium and later outside the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar. It reportedly caused a disruption to traffic and local businesses for several hours as both groups confronted each other.
The two parties were hosting separate political rallies in Calabar when their supporters met along the busy Murtala Mohammed Highway, leading to arguments that halted traffic.
The Cross River State Police Command, however , swiftly stepped in to manage the situation.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, confirmed the incident in a statement provided to reporters. He stated that police intervention and proactive engagement helped prevent a potential conflict between participants at an NDC presidential town hall meeting at Metropolitan Hotel and APC supporters who were rallying towards the Governor’s Office.
The police command reported that when both groups gathered in front of the Metropolitan Hotel, officers quickly stepped in to talk to them. They urged everyone involved to stay calm, keep the peace, and make sure their activities were carried out peacefully and legally.
“The Cross River State Police Command used timely action and constructive discussions to prevent a possible clash between those at a presidential town hall meeting organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar and a group of supporters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were having a rally and road walk toward the Governor’s Office.
“When both groups came together in front of the Metropolitan Hotel, police officers quickly engaged with them, asking all sides to exercise restraint, maintain peace, and ensure their activities followed the law, the statement said.
He also mentioned that order was restored in the area after police intervention. He encouraged political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and promote peaceful campaigns as the 2027 elections approach.
About the Author
