Politics
VIDEO: PDP Factions Led by Wike and Turaki Clash Violently at National Secretariat in Abuja
Deepening internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated into violence on Tuesday as rival factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), clashed at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The confrontation reportedly involved physical altercations between supporters of both factions, security scuffles, and the deployment of tear gas by operatives struggling to restore order at the Wadata Plaza headquarters.
Sources said supporters aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed attempted to force their way into the party premises, prompting security personnel to intervene. The situation quickly deteriorated into chaos as loyalists from the Wike camp confronted them.
Amid the escalating tension, National Chairman Turaki abruptly postponed a crucial PDP meeting scheduled for the same day.
In an unusual international appeal, he called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene diplomatically to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions amid what he described as “an assault on internal party democracy.”
WATCH VIDEO HERE
Despite the turmoil, Turaki later returned to the secretariat under tightened security, insisting he remained in full control of the party’s administrative operations.
In a swift counter-move, the faction loyal to Wike announced the expulsion of key figures aligned with the Turaki bloc including Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed while also dissolving several state PDP executive committees.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the PDP Wike-led faction, read the names of 17 PDP members who were expelled:
- Adolphus Wabara
- Olabode George
- Ben N. Obi
- Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN)
- Bala Mohammed
- Oluseyi Makinde
- Dauda Lawal
- Taofiq Arapaja
- Setonji Koshoedo
- Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel
- Woyengikuro Daniel
- Mohammed Kadade Suleiman
- Emmanuel Ogidi
- Sumaila Adamu Burga
- Umar Sani
- Udom Emmanuel
- Emmanuel Enorden
WATCH VIDEO HERE
The move further entrenches the party’s internal crisis as both sides await potential rulings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the conflicting leadership claims.
Political observers warn that unless decisive reconciliation efforts are initiated, the PDP could face its most severe leadership fracture yet, with implications for its national cohesion and electoral strength heading into the next political cycle.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
Follow BONA NAIJA for more