Chaos erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday as rival factions attempted to hold competing meetings simultaneously. Violent clashes broke out when supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike confronted members of the National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the Ibadan convention.
Both factions had scheduled separate Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee meetings on the same day at the Wadata Plaza secretariat. The standoff intensified when NWC members led by Taminu Turaki arrived at the complex. Security personnel blocked their entry despite their announced preparations for the meetings.
Two governors accompanying the NWC delegation forced their way past security barriers. As other party members attempted to follow, security operatives responded with gunshots fired into the air and teargas canisters. The violent escalation triggered panic among party supporters, staff, and visitors who scrambled for safety.
The confrontation highlights deepening divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party. The incident occurred amid ongoing power struggles between PDP leadership and allies of Minister Wike. Political observers warn such internal conflicts could weaken the party’s position ahead of future elections.
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