The officers of the Nigeria Police Force sealed the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The move followed a violent clash between two rival factions, creating confusion within the party and raising fresh concerns about its internal stability.
The confrontation, which escalated on Tuesday, November 18, saw teargas fired as supporters loyal to different blocs battled for control of the secretariat at Wadata Plaza.
Moreover, the incident marked one of the most dramatic moments in the party’s recent history, with many describing it as unexpected and embarrassing for a major political group.
According to reports, the clash involved the Saminu Turaki-led faction and members aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Furthermore, the situation intensified when Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were reportedly teargassed during the commotion, deepening concerns about safety at the venue.
The party’s deepening divide became more evident when the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) loyal to Wike announced the expulsion of several high-profile figures.
These included Governors Makinde, Mohammed, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. In addition, former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former National Vice Chairman, Chief Bode George, were also removed.
Newly elected National Chairman, Turaki, SAN, was not spared either.
This unexpected shake-up followed last Saturday’s PDP national convention in Ibadan, which had suspended Wike and ten others.
The rival faction accused the Wike-led bloc of trying to “destabilise the party structure” during an important period when the PDP had planned a nationwide reorganisation.
On Tuesday, both factions arrived at Wadata Plaza to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings
Meanwhile, security officers struggled to maintain order as arguments broke out.
The fight for control led to pushing, shouting, and a tense atmosphere that left supporters uneasy.
Therefore, the police closure of the building was seen as a necessary move to prevent more clashes.
The situation has left many wondering how the party intends to recover from what appears to be a widening internal conflict.
