A violent clash broke out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday, November 18, as rival factions fought for control of the party. The confrontation involved the Nyesom Wike-Samuel Anyanwu faction and members loyal to the newly elected national chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
The tension arose after both factions scheduled conflicting National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s group planned a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting for 11 a.m. and an NEC session for 2 p.m., while Turaki’s faction set its NEC meeting for 10 a.m. Anyanwu’s supporters arrived early, with a strong security escort by 7 a.m., stationing members at the main gate to block access.
When Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, along with Turaki, attempted to enter the NEC Hall, a confrontation ensued. Police deployed teargas to disperse the crowd, and the trio was briefly caught in the fumes. Makinde described the tense situation, saying, “We faced strong resistance from supporters at the gate. Police had to use teargas to restore order before we could gain access.”
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike arrived later and stayed in his car for over 30 minutes, observing the standoff. His arrival prompted the gate to be opened, allowing supporters to enter the secretariat.
Addressing reporters, Turaki, flanked by Governors Makinde and Mohammed, said, “Due to some incidents caused by those who are the enemies of progress, the enemies of democracy, we have decided to postpone this meeting till tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19.”
He added, “The PDP remains a peace-loving party committed to restoring harmony within its ranks and across the country.”
He also thanked the police for their protection, noting, “I informed the Commissioner of Police for the FCT that we were coming to hold our inaugural NWC meeting. Some fliers on social media were purporting NEC and BoT notices by people no longer in the party, but the Commissioner ensured our safe entry.”
Later, the police ordered all party members and supporters to vacate the secretariat to restore calm. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle for leadership within the PDP ahead of crucial party activities and the 2027 elections.
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