Violence erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, Tuesday morning as rival factions attempted to hold parallel meetings, escalating the already existing leadership crisis within the party.
Security operatives fired gunshots into the air and deployed tear gas to disperse members of the Taminu Turaki-led faction, who tried forcefully to enter the building. This unfolded while the pro-Nyesom Wike faction was preparing for its scheduled meetings inside the complex.
The conflict emanates from the tussle between two groups within the PDP. The Turaki faction, led by the newly elected National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki following a recent convention in Ibadan, sought access to the party’s national secretariat to hold the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. Meanwhile, the pro-Wike faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and including the pro-Wike National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, had its own rival meetings planned at the same venue.
The violence began when Turaki faction members arrived at the headquarters but were denied entry. Two governors aligned with Turaki managed to force their way in, but when other faction members attempted to follow, security forces responded with gunfire and tear gas, forcing those gathered to scatter.
Before the clashes, Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike faction defended the heavy security presence, saying it was necessary to prevent breakdown of law and order and that their meetings would proceed as planned;
This is about maintaining peace and protecting the democratic process within our party. We are ready to move forward with our legitimate meetings
Political stakeholders warn the crisis could deepen unless dialogue and legal mediation occur quickly.
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