Police Seal Off Peoples Democratic Party Secretariat As Trustees Want Attacks Probed

The Police have sealed off the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the violent clash between the warring camps at the party headquarters on Tuesday.

The Police used huge barbed wire barriers to barricade the main entrance and the premises of the party secretariat.

The newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, backed by the party’s governors, had clashed with a camp loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, when both sides fixed meetings at the same time in the party’s national headquarters on Tuesday.

Teargas was released in the course of the clash as thugs and police personnel were in the mix of the free-for-all encounter.

Following that commotion, the Police Rapid Deployment Barriers early Wednesday morning rolled out the barbed wire barricades around the party’s premises to forestall any attempt to gain entrance into the premises.

Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP has condemned the invasion of the national secretariat of the party by expelled elements.

The BoT also called on the Police to investigate the use of compromised security personnel and armed thugs who were used to unleash violence on party members in an attempt to forcefully take over the complex.

The chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, in a statement, condemned the action of the expelled elements who mobilised thugs to attempt to prevent the elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the new national chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN and accompanied by the governor of Bauchi State and chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde and other party leaders from gaining access into the complex.

“Tear gas was fired at the governors and party leaders while the thugs unleashed their unbridled violence on the PDP National Secretariat.

“The BoT notes with dismay the involvement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Barr. Nyesom Wike (also expelled from the party) came to the scene with heavy security in apparent solidarity with the invaders.

“The Board salutes the courage and resilience of the governors, NWC and BoT members, other party leaders, teeming members and supporters for resisting the invaders.”

The BoT added that it stood firmly with the new NWC and fully endorsed the outcome of the Elective National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It stated that the convention was convened in strict compliance with the party’s constitution, guidelines, the Electoral Act, and all applicable regulations, and it represents the collective will of the PDP’s delegates and stakeholders across the country.

The BoT further denounced the statements, actions and media pronouncements by members of the Wike camp who, according to it, were lawfully expelled from the party.

“Their attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the Ibadan Convention and create confusion within the party structure are not only mischievous but also constitute a direct assault on the principle of internal democracy in our country.

“The BoT calls on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the wave of attacks on the PDP National Secretariat and ensure that those responsible are held to account. Democracy thrives only where institutions remain impartial, professional, and insulated from partisan manipulation.”

In a related development, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gabam, has condemned the recent skirmish at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, describing it as a “brazen display of anarchy” that threatens the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Gabam accused elements within government institutions of being mobilised to suppress dissenting voices, warning that such actions erode public confidence and weaken the rule of law.

He said, “The spectacle, witnessed by many, suggests a disturbing trend in which state structures are repurposed to silence dissent. Such actions erode public confidence and threaten the very foundations of our nascent democracy. It is imperative that the rule of law be upheld, and that no entity feels above the constitutional order that safeguards citizens’ rights.”

The SDP chairman also faulted security agencies for allegedly harassing political opponents instead of protecting lives and property.

“The security agencies, whose duty is to protect lives and property, have become instruments of harassment and intimidation against political opponents.

“This shift undermines the principle of law enforcement and fuels public fear. When those sworn to defend the nation target dissenting voices, the social contract weakens, and the fabric of democracy frays. Citizens deserve assurance that security forces will act impartially, safeguarding all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation and fostering lasting trust and national unity,” he stated.

Gabam emphasised that impartial law enforcement is essential to fostering trust, national unity, and a stable democratic society.

Highlighting what he described as a dangerous pattern of political manoeuvring, Gabam warned against the abuse of constitutional processes to silence opposition, pointing out that such tactics have previously destabilised the SDP and now threaten other parties.

According to him, “recklessness and abuse of constitutional processes are not isolated incidents; they mirror tactics previously employed to destabilise the SDP and now threaten the PDP.

“Such political maneuvering aims to silence opposition voices and undermine the pluralistic spirit that defines our democracy. When ruling parties exploit state machinery for partisan gain, it sets a dangerous precedent that could unravel the hard-won gains of past struggles. Vigilance is required to prevent the erosion of democratic norms”.

Gabam recalled that President Bola Tinubu once stood as a leading figure within the opposition, championing democratic principles that enabled his ascent to office through the merger of ACN, CPC, ANPP and other parties.

He advised that the sacrifices made in pursuit of democratic governance should not be eroded during President Tinubu’s tenure.

“It is upon him to uphold the values that paved his path, fostering a climate where dissent is respected and unity is prioritised over partisan advantage for all,” he added.