From Victor Osula, Abuja
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have sealed off the Wadata Plaza national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, following Tuesday’s violent confrontation between members of the party on Tuesday.
Armed police personnel were deployed to the building on Wednesday morning, enforcing a full closure of the premises. Staff were ordered to vacate the secretariat, while party members were turned back and instructed to stay away until further notice.
A team of officers, believed to be from the Works Department of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, mounted a barricade around the complex using iron barbed wires to restrict movement in and out of the facility.
Police took the action to prevent a repeat of the chaos that erupted on Tuesday when the new National Chairman Saminu Turaki, Governors Seyo Makinde and Bala Mohammed and supporters reportedly clashed with members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the party’s national structure.
The face-off triggered a riot situation as both groups attempted to forcefully gain access to the secretariat for separate meetings, prompting heavy police intervention to restore order.
The police have yet to issue an official statement on the duration of the closure, but officers on ground said the measure is aimed at maintaining public safety while tensions within the party leadership are addressed.
