Confusion and chaos erupted on Tuesday at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as police fired teargas to disperse rioting supporters amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party.
Tensions flared at Wadata Plaza shortly after Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed arrived alongside members of the Turaki-led executive. Their presence triggered clashes with supporters loyal to Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who attempted to block their entry into the premises. Police officers on duty responded with teargas as the confrontation escalated.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also arrived at the headquarters but remained inside his vehicle for more than 30 minutes, apparently assessing the volatile situation before stepping out.
Governors Makinde and Mohammed, who stayed on the premises, later briefed journalists on the ordeal they faced—highlighting the heavy resistance from rival supporters and the police deployment that resulted in the use of teargas.
Earlier, Channels Television reported that security operatives had taken over major sections of the PDP headquarters as two factions, each laying claim to the party’s legitimate leadership, planned to hold separate meetings at the same venue.
The Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC) arrived first, with Senator Anyanwu insisting he remains the party’s National Secretary until December when his tenure officially ends. He settled into his office despite the growing tension surrounding the leadership tussle.
Supporters of both factions soon clashed, prompting the police to intervene forcefully in an attempt to restore order.
Responding to questions about the heavy security presence, Senator Anyanwu confirmed that he had invited the operatives. He explained that it is customary for the PDP to engage security personnel during high-level meetings to maintain law and order. He added that the officers were also positioned to address any potential “intruders”—a remark widely interpreted as a reference to the Turaki-led faction, which had also scheduled its own meeting at the headquarters.
