The national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, located at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, was placed under heavy police lockdown on Wednesday following heightened clashes between two internal factions that have been struggling for dominance within the political group.
When correspondent visited the secretariat, the entire frontage had been encircled with a barbed-wire barrier mounted by security personnel stationed at strategic points. Police officers at the location explained that the decision to restrict movement into the property was not independently initiated but was enacted based on an instruction they described as coming “from above.” The officers declined to provide further clarification concerning the source or specifics of the directive.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages remained unanswered at the time this report was completed. Okay News reports that the silence from the police authorities has further fueled speculation surrounding the escalation of the crisis.
The intense confrontation began on Tuesday when the camp loyal to Tanimu Turaki, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, arrived at the premises alongside individuals introduced as newly elected officials of the Peoples Democratic Party. Their group was met immediately by the faction led by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, who is politically aligned with Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The encounter rapidly deteriorated into physical disorder. Police officers deployed to the secretariat were forced to discharge tear gas canisters after members of the camp supporting Samuel Anyanwu allegedly attempted to stop the Turaki-led delegation from gaining access to the building.
Both groups insisted they were the only lawful authority within the party’s leadership structure, resulting in a tense standoff that prevented the anticipated meeting from progressing.
Addressing journalists after the episode, factional chairman Tanimu Turaki, surrounded by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, accused Minister Nyesom Wike of being responsible for instigating the disturbances. He issued a direct appeal to the global community, stressing that the developments pose a severe danger to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“Democracy is under threat. I am calling on all advanced democracies to come and save Nigeria,” Turaki declared.
