PDP Postpones NWC Meeting After Violence At Abuja Secretariat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) postponed its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Tuesday following unrest outside its national secretariat in Wuse, Abuja. PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki told journalists that the decision was taken due to disruptions caused by opponents of the party leadership. “Due to some incidents caused by those who are enemies of progress, enemies of democracy, we have decided to postpone this meeting till tomorrow,” he said. Turaki, who spoke alongside Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, stressed the party’s commitment to peace and orderly conduct. The postponement comes amid tensions between Turaki’s faction and supporters of the Nyesom Wike-led bloc. Turaki emerged as PDP National Chairman at a disputed convention on Saturday, which was boycotted by the Wike faction. Both factions had scheduled executive meetings at the secretariat on Tuesday, leading to confrontations. Supporters of the Wike-led faction, mostly women and youth groups, took to the streets around Wadata Plaza carrying placards with messages such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.” The Wike-backed faction reportedly gained access to the secretariat by 9:45 a.m., led by sacked Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and accompanied by heavily armed police personnel. Turaki explained that he had informed the FCT Commissioner of Police about the planned NWC meeting and requested security, which was provided, allowing party leaders to enter the secretariat. “However, due to some incidents caused by those who are enemies of progress and democracy, we have decided to postpone this meeting till tomorrow,” Turaki said, thanking party leaders, former governors, lawmakers, and members of the Board of Trustees for their support. He added, “We in PDP are peace-loving people. We want peace to reign because we want to take over governance in this country. And if we want to take over governance, then we need to have one country in place.” The NWC meeting is now rescheduled for Wednesday, with the party reiterating its commitment to unity and orderly conduct.