By Rejoice Peterside
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday took control of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, ahead of a parallel meeting scheduled by the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the NWC convened emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, at the secretariat, which had previously been under lock and key.
Armed operatives of the Mobile Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed across strategic points within the secretariat premises. Security patrol vehicles were also stationed along access roads leading to the complex to forestall any breakdown of law and order as both factions lay claim to party leadership.
Suspended National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had earlier gained access to the building, where accreditation of delegates for the BoT and NEC meetings commenced. Anti-Turaki protesters were also seen at the entrance, carrying placards with inscriptions like “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go”, dancing to the sound of drummers.
Speaking to journalists shortly before the BoT meeting, Anyanwu described the heavy security presence as routine.
“Anytime we’re having a BoT meeting or NEC meeting, we invite security agencies to ensure order and prevent embarrassment to our members,” he said.
He added that he had formally notified all security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 14 of the scheduled meetings.
“I’m the National Secretary of the party. My office is still running until December 8. If we start our meeting and anyone enters to disrupt it, they become intruders,” he said.
Reacting to his suspension at the Ibadan convention, Anyanwu dismissed the process as illegal.
“On what premise are you expelling us? The convention never held. I never communicated any letter to INEC for any convention. INEC did not monitor or supervise anything. It’s very clear there was no convention anywhere,” he said.
He further alleged that two-thirds of delegates from states were absent, adding that some individuals “picked from the roadside and given PDP uniforms” were made to occupy state stands.
As of press time, the Turaki-led faction had not arrived at the secretariat, while tension continued to mount within the party over the leadership tussle.
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