The PDP headquarters at Wadata Plaza on Wednesday, was covered with barbed wire been used to create a barricade around the premises, preventing public access. The area remained under heavy security, though only a small contingent of police officers was visible.

None of the leaders from the rival factions were seen at the secretariat. However, a prominent figure from the faction led by Kabiru Turaki strongly opposed the police’s decision to seal off the building. The official, who wished to remain anonymous, vowed that the Turaki-led group would continue to operate from the secretariat, insisting that “no one can stop them.”

The dispute within the party escalated on Tuesday when rival groups clashed at the PDP secretariat. Tensions soared as security personnel were deployed to the scene, with supporters of Samuel Anyanwu and other members loyal to Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike insisting they would not vacate the premises.

The situation turned chaotic when Turaki, alongside other high-ranking members of the PDP, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, arrived at the headquarters. As they attempted to enter the secretariat, Anyanwu’s supporters blocked their path, leading to confrontations and the use of tear gas by the police.

“If we had not exercised restraint, there would have been bloodshed today,” Turaki said in an address to the press. “We were tear-gassed, with more than 50 canisters fired at us, but we stayed resolute and will continue to push forward.”

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Later that day, Turaki declared that he had assumed office as the national chairman of the PDP, following the tense standoff at the party’s headquarters. “For the past seven hours, Nigerians have witnessed the struggle we have been engaged in with the renegade members of our party who were expelled during our national convention in Ibadan,” Turaki said.

“We anticipated that these individuals, along with their armed thugs, would attempt to disrupt our meetings,” he continued. “However, by God’s grace, we were able to contain the situation, and now we have successfully removed them from the secretariat. As you can see, I have entered my office and assumed leadership as the elected chairman.”

The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP remains unresolved, with both factions claiming control of the party. The situation continues to develop, with further confrontations expected as the party grapples with its internal power struggle.

Source: Channels