PDP boils as security operatives take over headquarters in a fight between Wike and Makinde’s factions
PDP boils as police take over headquarters in a fight between Wike and Makinde’s factions
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command (FCT) Tuesday morning stormed the PDP Secretariat in Wadata House in Abuja as factions loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, seek to hold meetings at the same time.
Tension rose as the police fired shots and released teargas into to diffuse scuffle between the two factions.
Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, had arrived at the Wadata Plaza with some members of the faction.
Shortly after Anyanwu’s arrival, a faction loyal to the newly elected chairman, Taminu Turaki also arrived at the headquarters but were prevented from going in.
However, there was commotion after two governors forced their way in, but as the other members of the faction tried to make their way in, security operatives fired gunshots and also released teargas to disperse them
The release of gunshots and teargas by the police caused many to scamper for safety.
Speaking to journalists in his office before the arrival of the other faction, Anyanwu had said that the security level was to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order at the main opposition headquarters.
He said his faction was ready for Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings
The secretariart, which is located at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was taken over by over 15 Hilux Vans and two armoured personnel carriers (APC), stationed at the main gate of the opposition party.
Security operatives comprising operatives of the police and Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) were positioned at strategic positions around the secretariat.
Recall that in a circular released on Monday, Wike’s faction announced an emergency NEC and Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting at the party headquarters.
The notice, signed by former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, invited members to a BoT meeting at 11 am and a NEC meeting at 2 pm, insisting the sessions were mandatory and would address “crucial matters.”
Titled “Invitation to Emergency 103rd National Executive Committee Meeting,” the communication directly challenged the legitimacy of the Turaki-led NWC.
Also, the newly elected National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki and members of his NWC visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday, warning of an alleged plot by Anyanwu’s faction to forcibly disrupt party activities.
He said, “We came to interface with the Commissioner of Police of the FCT regarding the meeting we plan to have tomorrow. It will be the inaugural meeting of our National Working Committee.”
Turaki stressed that those purporting to act in the name of the party after their expulsion in Ibadan were “no longer members.”
“Next to God, the national convention is the highest authority of a political party. Those expelled are no longer members of our party. We have reported their moves because we do not want any breach of peace,” he added.
The PDP chairman vowed to personally lead the NWC into the secretariat today, warning that any rival faction attempting to use the premises would be treated as “interlopers.”
Following his return from the police headquarters, the Turaki-led NWC issued its own notice inviting stakeholders to an emergency meeting at the same venue.
