Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have completely sealed off the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) located at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, following a chaotic confrontation between two rival factions that nearly spiraled out of control yesterday Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Eyewitnesses and reports from the scene narrated to Gradual Television today, Wednesday morning, confirmed that police officers had erected barbed wire barriers around the premises, stationed armed personnel at all entry points, and turned away staff, party members, and visitors. No leaders from either faction were seen at the secretariat, which remained deserted except for security forces.
The lockdown comes as a direct response to Tuesday's (November 18) tense standoff that saw supporters of the opposing groups clash physically, forcing police to deploy teargas to disperse crowds and restore order. The incident has further deepened the ongoing leadership crisis plaguing Nigeria's main opposition party.
What Led to PDP Chaos at the National Secretariat Wadata Plaza in Abuja?
The trouble erupted when both factions scheduled separate high-level meetings including sessions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) at the same venue on the same day.
- One group, reportedly aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, arrived early and began accrediting members.
- The rival faction, backed by several governors and led by newly elected National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (who emerged from a controversial convention held in Ibadan earlier in November), stormed the premises around midday, accompanied by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
- Supporters blocked entrances, leading to heated exchanges and attempts to forcibly occupy the NEC hall.
- As tensions peaked with the arrival of additional figures, police intervened with teargas canisters, reportedly affecting some governors and supporters in the process.
Turaki's group briefly addressed journalists before leaving, postponing their planned inaugural National Working Committee meeting due to the "unconducive atmosphere." Despite appeals from the FCT Police Commissioner, neither side initially agreed to vacate until security forces cleared the area entirely.
Roots of the PDP Leadership Crisis
The current impasse traces back to a divisive national convention in Ibadan between November 15-16, 2025, where one faction elected Turaki as national chairman amid accusations of irregularities.
The opposing side, which recognizes figures like acting chairman Iliya Damagum or others loyal to Wike, rejected the outcome and has since moved to suspend or expel key members from the Ibadan convention, including governors and former party stalwarts.
In retaliation, parallel expulsions and suspensions have been issued, with both sides claiming legitimacy over the party's structures and finances.
Reactions and Next Steps
A spokesperson from Turaki's faction condemned the police action as unnecessary, insisting they would return to "their offices" as the duly elected leadership. Meanwhile, sources close to the Wike-aligned group have remained silent on the sealing but previously described the rival convention as invalid.
Political analysts warn that the escalation could weaken the PDP's position as Nigeria's primary opposition ahead of future elections, potentially benefiting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As of now, the secretariat remains under lock and key, with no official timeline for reopening. The Nigerian Police Force has yet to issue a formal statement, but sources say the measure is precautionary to prevent further violence.
The PDP, once Nigeria's dominant party from 1999 to 2015, has been plagued by internal divisions for years, but the latest events mark one of the most public and physical manifestations of the rift.