Teargas, Tension as Rival PDP Factions Clash at Wadata Plaza

A fierce leadership battle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boiled over on Tuesday as police fired teargas to break up clashes between rival factions at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

Violence erupted on Tuesday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, as a leadership crisis between opposing factions escalated into a physical confrontation, forcing police to deploy teargas to disperse supporters.

According to Arise correspondent, the chaos broke out shortly after Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the faction loyal to the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, arrived at the headquarters.

Their entrance triggered resistance from supporters of the rival bloc aligned with Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who attempted to block access to the building. What began with verbal exchanges quickly degenerated into skirmishes, drawing the intervention of police officers stationed outside the complex.

Security operatives believed to be loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and those accompanying the two governors engaged in a tense standoff over control of the secretariat. In a bid to restore order, police fired multiple rounds of teargas, sending crowds scrambling for safety around the vicinity.

Despite the confrontation, Makinde managed to gain entry into the premises alongside the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, while Wike remained inside his vehicle for more than 30 minutes, choosing not to alight amid the volatile atmosphere. He later aligned openly with Samuel Anyanwu, who insists he remains the authentic national secretary.

The violent scenes unfolded against a backdrop of parallel meetings and deepening divisions within the PDP. Anti-Turaki protesters also stormed the headquarters earlier in the day, while heavy security presence reflected fears of an escalation.

Addressing journalists afterwards, Governors Makinde and Mohammed recounted their experience, including the teargas deployment and the resistance from supporters of the Anyanwu faction. The police later ordered all supporters and party members to vacate the secretariat to allow calm to return.

The situation remains fluid as the power tussle between the two factions intensifies.

More details to follow…