The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as the party’s newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, postponed his inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting following a violent confrontation between his supporters and the expelled faction led by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
Supporters of both factions stormed the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, for separate meetings announced by their camps, leading to a fierce struggle at the entrance of the complex heavily guarded by police operatives.
Videos circulating on X showed Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, forcing their way through the main gate as security operatives attempted to restrict access. The governors and their supporters eventually overpowered the officers and gained entry into the premises.
After taking control of the secretariat, Turaki addressed journalists and announced the postponement of the scheduled meeting, accusing the Anyanwu faction of orchestrating the disruption.
Turaki commended the conduct of police operatives, stating that the Commissioner of Police, FCT, had earlier assured him of security protection for the meeting.
According to him, “I told the Commissioner of Police that we were coming today for our inaugural NWC meeting and that our leaders would be here to witness this historic moment. He assured us he would protect us and provide security for us to conduct our meeting.
“I am happy he fulfilled his promises. They ensured that we gained entry into our secretariat. However, due to incidents caused by those people who are the enemies of progress and enemies of democracy, we have decided that this meeting will be postponed till tomorrow.”
