Security operatives on Monday took control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja following ongoing internal leadership disputes within the party.
Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed around the secretariat, blocking access with patrol vans and barricades. Only a few staff were allowed in earlier, but they were later asked to leave.
The development comes as two opposing factions within the PDP scheduled rival meetings at the secretariat—one planning a National Executive Committee (NEC) session, and the other organizing an expanded caucus meeting. The tension prompted security officials to intervene, citing the need to maintain peace and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Among those denied entry was Maina Chiroma, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT). Journalists were also turned away from the premises.
The BoT had previously condemned recent actions by the party’s Acting National Chairman, labeling them as unconstitutional and unilateral.
As of now, the police have not released an official statement regarding the takeover.
This incident is the latest in a series of leadership struggles facing the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, as internal divisions continue to threaten its unity ahead of future elections.
