Turaki-led PDP Fumes As Police Unseals Party’s National Secretariat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over the unsealing of its National Secretariat, describing the action as contemptuous and a violation of due process.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party alleged that the police facilitated the takeover of the secretariat by individuals it described as agents of the Federal Government and apologists of the All Progressives Congress posing as PDP members.

The PDP said the action was carried out despite a pending appeal on the matter, noting that the police were fully aware of the legal situation.

“It is on record that the judgment by Justice Abdulmalik, which the police claim to be acting on, has been appealed, and the police, as a party in the matter, is fully aware and has been duly served,” the statement read.

The party argued that by unsealing the secretariat under such circumstances, the police had interfered with the subject of litigation, potentially undermining the outcome of the appellate process.

“By their action, they have tampered with the res and that can render the judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory when it is eventually delivered. It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are the ones disobeying it,” Ememobong stated.

The PDP further accused the police of partisanship, expressing disappointment that the development occurred under the leadership of the current Inspector General of Police.

“While it is not surprising that the police are acting in a clearly partisan manner, we had hoped they would act differently under the command of the new Inspector General of Police,” the statement added.

According to the party, the conduct of police officers since the beginning of the dispute has reinforced perceptions of bias in favour of certain political interests, particularly those aligned with rival factions.

Despite the situation, the PDP called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding.

“As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and refrain from any activity capable of breaching public order, while we take all necessary legal steps to protect the rights and privileges of genuine members of the party,” Ememobong said.

The party expressed optimism that the crisis would eventually be resolved and democratic norms restored.

“The public should be assured that we remain hopeful that this dark cloud of state-sponsored persecution and the push towards a one-party state will soon pass, in the interest of preserving the republic,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the PDP said it would continue to pursue lawful means to address the situation while urging supporters to remain steadfast.