JUST IN: Tension as gunshots, teargas rock PDP Headquarters in Abuja

Tension has gripped the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, as two opposing factions prepare to hold parallel meetings on the same day.

The crisis intensified after the National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the party’s Ibadan convention in Oyo State scheduled a meeting for Tuesday — the same day a rival faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also fixed its own gathering.

Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, arrived at the secretariat with some members of his group. Shortly after, members of the Taminu Turaki-led faction also arrived but were blocked from entering.

Reports indicate that two governors from the Turaki faction forced their way into the building. Security operatives responded by firing gunshots and releasing teargas to disperse remaining members, triggering panic and confusion as attendees scrambled for safety.

Speaking to journalists before the arrival of the Turaki faction, Anyanwu described the security presence as routine, aimed at maintaining order during Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. He confirmed that his faction was prepared to hold the meetings as scheduled.