Tension erupted at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as two rival factions attempted to hold parallel meetings.
The National Working Committee (NWC) faction elected in Ibadan and the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had both scheduled meetings for the same day. National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, Samuel Anyanwu, arrived at Wadata Plaza with his supporters earlier in the day.
Moments later, members of the Taminu Turaki-led faction also arrived but were blocked from entering the premises. Although two governors forced their way in, other members were prevented from gaining access. The standoff escalated when security operatives fired gunshots into the air and released teargas to disperse the crowd, sending people scrambling for safety.
Before the confrontation, Anyanwu, addressing journalists from his office, described the heavy security presence as routine and aimed at preventing disorder. He added that his faction was fully prepared for the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
