Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a boiling point on Wednesday as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force sealed off the party’s National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The development follows escalating clashes between rival factions within the party.
The confrontation reportedly stems from a leadership tussle between supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The crisis intensified after both factions scheduled separate meetings at the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday, resulting in physical altercations.
Video footage from the scene shows police officers reinforcing the entrance with barbed wire as security measures were heightened to prevent further clashes.
Governor Makinde, speaking to journalists at the headquarters, insisted that his faction is committed to defending democracy and the integrity of the PDP. “We are here not just to defend our party, but to uphold democracy in Nigeria. We will not vacate the premises, no matter how tense the situation becomes,” he declared.
As the standoff escalated, police reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, highlighting the severity of the crisis within one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
In response, the Wike-led faction took decisive action, expelling Governor Makinde, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and several others, citing anti-party activities. Party executives in Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Edo, and Lagos were also dissolved.
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Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman presented the expulsion memo during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, explaining that the affected members’ disregard for court rulings had tarnished the party’s reputation. Those expelled also included former Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja.
The PDP leadership crisis, already described as one of the most severe in recent times, shows no immediate signs of abating, as both factions dig in their heels in a battle over party control.
