By Violence broke out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja on Monday as two rival factions clashed over the party’s leadership. Police officers deployed to Wadata Plaza fired teargas to disperse supporters who confronted one another during the escalating power struggle.
Trouble began when Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed arrived alongside the Turaki-led executive, triggering resistance from loyalists of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who attempted to block their entry. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also arrived but remained in his vehicle for over 30 minutes as tensions worsened.
Makinde and Mohammed later briefed journalists, recounting how police fired teargas and describing the pushback they faced from supporters of the Anyanwu faction.
Security operatives had earlier cordoned off the area following reports that both factions planned to hold separate meetings at the same venue, each claiming to be the authentic leadership of the PDP.
The Anyanwu-led NWC arrived first, with Senator Anyanwu insisting he remains the party’s national secretary until his tenure expires in December. His supporters clashed with those of the Turaki-led group, prompting police intervention.
Anyanwu confirmed that he invited the heavy security presence, describing it as routine for high-level meetings and adding that operatives were on standby to address any “intruders,” a veiled reference to the Turaki-led team.
