The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday sealed the national headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja following violent clashes between rival factions that left the opposition party in deeper turmoil.
Officers were deployed to Wadata Plaza early in the day, locking down the premises after supporters loyal to two competing blocs confronted each other on Tuesday. The confrontation saw the use of teargas to disperse the crowd, with witnesses saying security personnel struggled to contain rising tensions.
The crisis stems from an intensifying power struggle between the faction led by former minister Saminu Turaki and the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Their supporters had stormed the secretariat on Tuesday to hold separate National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees meetings.
Top PDP Leaders Caught in the Crossfire
During Tuesday’s chaos, Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were reportedly affected by teargas as security operatives attempted to disperse the warring groups.
In the hours that followed, the factional NEC loyal to Wike announced the expulsion of Makinde, Mohammed and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. Others removed include former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former National Vice Chairman Chief Bode George, and PDP’s newly elected National Chairman, Turaki, SAN.
The decision came shortly after Saturday’s convention in Ibadan, organised by the rival faction, which suspended Wike and at least ten senior party members—including former governors and sitting lawmakers—over alleged anti-party activities.
Parallel Meetings Deepen Party Crisis
On Tuesday, both camps arrived at Wadata Plaza intending to hold parallel leadership meetings, further escalating the tension. The scene quickly descended into chaos, marked by heated arguments, shoving and counter-accusations. Security personnel were overwhelmed as supporters from both sides jostled for control.
The Ibadan convention organisers have accused Wike’s faction of attempting to destabilise party structures ahead of a proposed nationwide restructuring. Wike’s allies, meanwhile, insist their actions are aimed at restoring order and defending the party from what they describe as “illegal” decisions by the rival camp.
Police Maintain Presence as PDP Crisis Intensifies
As of Wednesday evening, the PDP secretariat remained under police lock and key, with officers preventing entry to avoid further clashes. There has been no official statement from the party’s national leadership, and it remains unclear when the secretariat will reopen.
Political analysts warn that the escalating factional war threatens to further weaken the PDP ahead of upcoming national political engagements, as the party faces one of its most severe internal breakdowns since the return to democracy.
Source:Africa Publicity
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