ADC factional clash Cross River triggers police intervention in Calabar as rival factions meet the state commissioner to restore calm

A violent clash between rival factions of the African Democratic Congress in Cross River State on Tuesday prompted intervention by the Nigeria Police Force to prevent further breakdown of public order.

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Police personnel blocked the entrance to a venue in Calabar where one faction of the party had planned to hold a meeting, following rising tensions between opposing groups within the party.

Sources familiar with the incident said the confrontation stemmed from an internal disagreement within the party, with no indication that the state’s ruling party was involved in the disruption.

Security operatives were deployed to the area to maintain calm and ensure that the situation did not escalate into wider violence.

A reliable source in Calabar, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a purely intra-party dispute.

“It is an intra-party disagreement within the ADC in the state. Personnel of the Police Command have been deployed to the area to ensure peace, maintain law and order, and prevent any breakdown of public peace,” the source said.

The source added that members of the two factions had been invited by the state Commissioner of Police for discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.

“At the moment, the two factions of the party are currently before the Commissioner of Police for an interview and dialogue aimed at resolving the issues and maintaining calm,” the source said.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development.

ASP Eitokpah said security agencies had taken swift action to stabilise the situation and prevent further unrest.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as the situation is under control,” ASP Eitokpah said.

The incident highlights growing internal tensions within the ADC in Cross River State, where the party has recently faced criticism from some members over alleged bias and lack of transparency by its national leadership.

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Political observers say the latest disruption underscores the urgent need for reconciliation within the party to restore unity ahead of future political activities.