…Overlapping meetings ignite fresh power struggle inside opposition party
By Luminous Jannamike
What began as a routine day at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat on Tuesday quickly spiraled into one of the most chaotic confrontations the party has seen in years.
For nearly three hours, police fired round after round of tear gas as rival factions battled for control of the secretariat. Governors, party officials, staff and journalists were forced to flee repeatedly, ducking behind vehicles and walls for safety.
At the centre of the turmoil was FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who arrived in a heavily guarded convoy but remained inside his vehicle throughout the standoff.
Clashing Timetables, Rising Tension
The confusion began after a faction loyal to Wike, led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, scheduled its Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings for 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Almost simultaneously, the Kabiru Turaki–led National Working Committee (NWC) fixed its inaugural meeting for 10:00 a.m.
The overlapping schedules set the stage for a showdown.
By mid-morning, Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo had joined National Chairman Kabiru Turaki at the secretariat — and the atmosphere had become volatile.
Brawls Break Out as Police Fire Tear Gas
The first confrontation erupted inside the NEC hall, where supporters of both factions engaged in a heated face-off. Members of Turaki’s NWC were forced out of the building as pushing and shoving escalated into blows.
Police responded with tear gas, triggering panic.
Moments later, as Wike’s convoy entered the compound, officers fired an even heavier volley, sending crowds scrambling. Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde maneuvered their vehicles to block Wike’s car, raising the stakes and turning the scene into a full-scale power brawl.
Governors Rage: “We Are Going Through Hell”
Addressing journalists while battling choking fumes, Governor Bala Mohammed denounced what he described as an assault on opposition leaders.
“We are not here to cause trouble. This is our place,” he said. “Imposters who were expelled by the convention came to cause commotion, and the minister of the FCT is here being backed by the police.”
He continued, voice rising in frustration: “Our property, our rights… yet as governors we have been molested in spite of our immunity. Let the nation see the kind of democracy we have. Enough is enough.”
He also appealed to the international community, warning that the party was “going through hell.”
Turaki: ‘They Tear-Gassed Us and Shot Our Members’
Inside the compound, National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, condemned the police for allowing Wike’s access while allegedly blocking party leaders.
He recalled warning the FCT Police Commissioner the previous day that expelled members were plotting to disrupt activities.
“The Commissioner assured me of protection,” Turaki said. “But now, the minister of the FCT — someone declared persona non grata — has been granted entry. They have tear-gassed us, and some of our members have been shot.”
He issued a dramatic plea to world leaders: “Democracy is under threat. We are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office and our mandate. International community, come and save us.”
Makinde: ‘This Is About Nigeria’s Democracy’
Governor Seyi Makinde framed the confrontation as a national warning.
“This battle is not about the PDP alone,” he said. “It’s about the survival of democracy.”
Wike Camp Fires Back
Throughout the standoff, Wike remained in his vehicle, accompanied by Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
PDP chieftain Timothy Osadolor accused the governors of attempting to enforce the outcome of an “illegal convention” held in Ibadan.
He said the governors were acting “with unprecedented impunity” and trying to impose their decisions on the party’s leadership.
Standoff Ends Without Resolution
Around 2:00 p.m., Wike’s convoy finally exited the premises — the minister never stepping out of his car.
Bala Mohammed, Makinde and Turaki then inspected the grounds before leaving at 2:40 p.m. Yet even as they departed, police fired another round of tear gas, underscoring the depth of the crisis.
For many watching, the events of Tuesday did more than highlight PDP’s internal fractures — they raised pressing questions about the state of political tolerance and institutional control in Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
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