Armed security operatives on Monday stormed Wadata Plaza, the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and disrupted scheduled meetings by top party leaders.
Their presence caused unease and confusion among members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) who were barred from entering the premises.
The officers blocked access to the party’s NEC hall, where the BoT was to meet ahead of a crucial National Executive Committee session.
Eyewitnesses said the policemen arrived in numbers and ordered everyone present to leave the meeting venue.
“Make sure nobody is in the hall there. That is the instruction. I heard there is another hall upstairs. Make sure nobody is meeting there,” a senior officer reportedly told his subordinates.
Former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, confirmed the action. He said the security personnel told BoT members they were “acting on an order from above.”
Maina Chiroma, another BoT member, was also seen outside, visibly concerned after being turned back from the gate.
Staff and Journalists Ordered Out of Premises
Although a few party staff were initially allowed into the building, they were later told to vacate.
Journalists covering PDP events were also asked to leave Wadata Plaza. By midday, the building was under full lockdown.
Security men sealed off Dalaba Street, the road leading to the party secretariat, intensifying the tension already brewing within the opposition party.
The PDP has faced persistent division since the 2023 presidential primaries. Nearly every organ of the party is now split into rival factions.
The latest dispute centres on who holds the position of National Secretary. The conflict has pitched Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, against Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja.
Top BoT Members React
Reacting to the developing situation, former PDP National Vice Chairman (South) and a life-time member of the BoT, Bode George, speaking to the press, called for calm and let peace reign.
“The PDP is not a private enterprise. You don’t resolve the crisis you are experiencing outside. It’s a disagreement between two people, and we must sit down to resolve it….“
Mr George had often put the blame for the crisis in the party on the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, as the protagonist determined to control the party solely.
Several BoT members stood in small groups outside the gate apparently discussing the situation.
A party source revealed the police presence was meant to stop “the planned NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting.” This further added to speculation about a calculated move to block dissenting voices.
As of the time this report was filed, no official reason had been given for the security blockade.
However, it must be noted that President Bola Tinubu once said he was glad at the deepening internal crisis in Nigeria’s opposition parties. Tinubu is away in the Caribbean on an official visit.
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