Security operatives on Wednesday sealed off the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja following escalating tensions between two rival factions battling for control of the opposition party.
The move comes a day after violent confrontations erupted at Wadata Plaza, leaving the party leadership more divided than ever.
The secretariat building’s entrance had been barricaded with barbed wire, preventing officials, staff and supporters from gaining access.
Police officers stationed at the gate said the order to lock down the premises “came from above,” though they declined to give further clarification.
Leaders arrive amid rising tension
The crisis intensified on Tuesday when supporters of Tanimu Turaki, flanked by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and members of the newly-elected PDP executive, arrived at the secretariat for a scheduled meeting.
Their entry was immediately resisted by Samuel Anyanwu and his supporters, a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who insisted they remained the only legitimate leaders of the party.
The confrontation quickly escalated, with both sides engaging in heated exchanges before police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
This intervention was necessary to prevent the situation from spiralling further.
Competing claims of legitimacy
Both camps maintain they are constitutionally recognized, deepening a leadership tussle that has weakened the party’s internal structure.
The Turaki camp accused the Wike-aligned faction of orchestrating Tuesday’s unrest to forcefully take control of the party secretariat.
Speaking shortly after the chaos, Turaki asserted that the actions of the rival faction represented a dangerous trend for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“Democracy is under threat. I am calling on all advanced democracies to come and save Nigeria,” he said, standing alongside Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
Police maintain control as party awaits resolution
As of Wednesday evening, officers continued to guard the premises, barring entry to all groups pending further directive.
The ongoing power struggle adds to the internal crises that have plagued the party in recent years, raising concerns about its preparedness ahead of future electoral engagements.