Tension flared at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday as two rival factions attempted to hold parallel meetings amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
Security operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command intervened early in the day, barring the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from accessing the main hall of the PDP headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, citing “orders from above.”
Though BoT members were allowed into the premises, they were denied access to their scheduled meeting venue, prompting them to relocate to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Chief Bode George condemned the action, calling it an affront to internal party democracy.
The unfolding drama is rooted in a deepening rift between the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, both of whom have pushed competing agendas for today’s proceedings.
While Arapaja reaffirmed that the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting must go ahead as scheduled, a conflicting notice circulated online called for a Special Expanded National Caucus Meeting instead—signed by embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.The BoT is reportedly divided, with Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara backing the NEC meeting, while Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi supports the expanded caucus alternative.
As of the time of filing this report, journalists and party members were seen entering the PDP hall, now prepared for an official meeting, while security presence remained tight around the premises.
Writing by Victorson Agbenson