November 18, (THEWILL) — The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a violent turn on Tuesday, as rival factions clashed at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, forcing the postponement of the inaugural meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
Tensions boiled over early in the day when the Anyanwu-led faction barricaded the main entrance to the Secretariat in an attempt to prevent the Turaki group from gaining access to the premises
What began as a tense standoff quickly descended into chaos when Turaki, the newly elected National Chairman, arrived for the scheduled NWC meeting in the company of Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Supporters loyal to Turaki and those aligned with the Anyanwu faction surged toward the gate, trading insults and threats as chants for and against the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike swept through Wadata Plaza.
As the confrontation intensified, police deployed to the scene fired multiple rounds of teargas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. The resulting pandemonium sent party members, Secretariat staff, and bystanders scrambling for safety as thick smoke enveloped the area.
Addressing journalists after eventually gaining entry into the Secretariat, Dr Turaki announced that the much-anticipated inaugural NWC meeting had been postponed as a result of the disruption.
“Due to some incidents caused by those who are the enemies of progress, the enemies of democracy, we have decided to postpone this meeting till tomorrow,” he said.
The PDP Chairman commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for providing the security that enabled the party leadership to access the premises despite the blockade.
“I told him that we were coming today for our inaugural NWC meeting and had seen on social media flyers announcing NEC and BoT meetings by people who are no longer members of this party. He assured us of protection, and I’m happy he fulfilled that promise”, Turaki said.
Turaki also expressed gratitude to party stakeholders for standing with the new leadership amid the turbulence.
“I want to appreciate our leaders—our governors, National Assembly members, former governors, ministers, BoT members, state chairmen, and members of the immediate past NWC—for showing solidarity. We in the PDP are peace-loving people. We want peace to reign because we want to take over governance in this country, and to do that, we must first ensure unity,” he added.
The confrontation reflects the deepening schism within the PDP following the recent expulsion of former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and other members accused of anti-party activities. In defiance, the expelled group had also scheduled parallel NEC and BoT meetings at the same venue on Tuesday, further complicating the situation.
Despite the turmoil, Turaki insisted that the rescheduled NWC meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at Wadata Plaza under full police protection.
Tuesday’s clash—marked by barricaded gates, factional aggression, and police teargas—underscores the extent to which the PDP’s internal struggle has escalated, with Wike remaining at the centre of the crisis.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
