JUST-IN: Thugs, Police Clash At PDP National Secretariat

Pandemonium erupted at the national secretariat of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as thugs loyal to a faction of the party attempted to disrupt the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the group led by suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The Anyanwu-led faction arrived at the secretariat as early as 8 a.m., insisting on taking control of the party’s leadership following last week’s national convention by the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led national chairman and his camp.

Trouble started when supporters of the Damagum faction got information about the move and mobilised to resist it. Tensions escalated when thugs believed to be loyal to both camps clashed at the entrance of the secretariat.

Despite the presence of the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde and other high-ranking PDP members, police officers on the ground blocked the thugs from forcing their way into the premises.

The standoff quickly degenerated into a violent confrontation, with security operatives firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Journalists, staff, and party faithful scampered for safety as the melee intensified, with several people reportedly wounded in the process.

The situation was eventually brought under control, but some damages were done to properties at the secretariat.

Details later….