Tension boiled over on Tuesday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, with the police firing teargas to arrest the situation.
Faction of the party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, and that of the Kabiru Turaki-led leadership, had fixed parallel meetings.
However, the Turaki-led leadership, in company of Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, gained access to the building to address members and the media.
As Turaki was about to conclude his address, during which he said the meeting would be postponed until Wednesday, noises of commotion were heard from the exit area of the room.
Shortly afterwards, the PDP on its X handle, posted videos and pictures of teargases being fired outside the building.
“Current Situation at Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, headquarters of opposition Party in Nigeria. Happening Now! The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
@OfficialPDPNig national headquarters at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, Nigeria, is under heavy attack with @PoliceNG shooting at unarmed civilians,” the party wrote.
Samuel Anyanwu, the factional national secretary of the party loyal to Wike, arrived early in the day and took possession of the secretariat.
Speaking with reporters, Anyanwu maintained that he remains the party’s national secretary until his tenure expires in December, adding that he has settled into his office despite the ongoing leadership tussle.
When asked whether he invited the security operatives who barricaded major sections outside the premises, Anyanwu confirmed he did.
“It is the PDP’s usual practice to call in security personnel whenever a meeting of such magnitude is scheduled, in order to maintain law and order,” he said.
Anyanwu added that the security personnel were also on standby to prevent any “intruders” who had announced plans to hold a separate meeting at the Wadata Plaza.
