Shola Akinyele
A massive showdown erupted at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, senior advocate of Nigeria, SAN, forced their way into the NEC hall amid fierce resistance from rival factions.
The chaos began early in the morning when Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed arrived at Wadata Plaza, sparking a violent confrontation among security operatives aligned with opposing blocs.
Witnesses reported heavy pushing, shouting, and physical altercations at the main gate as security teams struggled for control.
Moments later, the atmosphere grew even more heated with the arrival of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who immediately clashed with Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed. In a dramatic scene, Governor Bala Mohammed physically blocked Wike from entering the building, heightening tensions between both factions.
The crisis spiraled when party supporters loyal to the Turaki-led executive and those aligned with Senator Samuel Anyanwu engaged in open fights within the premises. Police officers deployed to contain the situation fired several rounds of teargas, dispersing rioting crowds and causing panic around the party headquarters.
Journalists were not spared in the turmoil. An NTA cameraman was reportedly assaulted, beaten, and had his camera smashed by unidentified thugs during the fracas, raising serious concerns about media safety at political events.
Despite the tense standoff, Turaki later managed to gain access to the NEC hall, where he addressed the press alongside Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed. The trio condemned the violence and insisted that the NEC meeting must proceed, stressing that the PDP cannot afford further internal instability.
The dramatic scenes at Wadata Plaza underscore the deepening divisions within the PDP, as powerful blocs continue to jostle for dominance ahead of crucial decisions about the party’s future.
Security remained on high alert around the headquarters as party leaders attempted to restore order.
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