A dramatic twist hit Nigeria’s opposition politics on Tuesday as the PDP crisis deepened in Abuja, creating shock across the political space.
What began as a routine attempt to convene a meeting quickly turned into a tense standoff.
Moreover, the unexpected scale of the confrontation drew urgent calls for global attention.
The tension escalated when National Chairman Kabiru Turaki appealed openly to the United States President, Donald Trump, and other world leaders for help.
His remarks were made shortly before chaotic scenes unfolded at the party’s national headquarters.
Turaki warned that democracy in Nigeria was “under threat,” adding that the internal battles within his party had moved beyond what could be resolved quietly.
Speaking to journalists, Turaki accused the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, of backing armed groups who allegedly disrupted party activities.
He urged the international community to act, saying, “I want to call on President Trump, what is at stake is not just genocide against Christians, he should come and save democracy in Nigeria.
Democracy is under threat, I am calling all other developed nations, all advanced democracy, come and save Nigeria.”
In addition, Turaki stated that party leaders were willing to defend their mandate at any cost.
“I have said it, we are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect democracy and to protect our mandate,” he stressed.
His words echoed across the gathering as many supporters expressed worry over the unexpected division that had shaken the party’s structure.
Meanwhile, the day took a more chaotic turn when rival factions arrived for separate meetings.
The bloc loyal to Turaki and another group aligned with Wike both attempted to hold sessions at Wadata Plaza.
Police officers at the scene tried to control the growing unrest; however, the situation worsened rapidly.
Furthermore, officers fired teargas to disperse the chaotic crowd. Party members, workers, and journalists ran in panic as smoke filled the area.
Some were seen coughing and shielding their faces as they scrambled into nearby streets.
Outside the compound, the unrest continued. Supporters from both sides waved sticks and other objects as they exchanged heated words.
The atmosphere remained tense, with many fearing that the dispute might spill beyond party boundaries.
