PDP crisis deepens as security operatives disperse thugs at national secretariat

The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as security operatives intervened to disperse thugs attempting to block access to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The disruption was reportedly orchestrated by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, an aide to former PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

Okoronkwo and his group locked the gates of Wadata Plaza, aiming to prevent members of the National Working Committee (NWC) from attending a crucial meeting.

In a viral video, Okoronkwo warned that those unhappy with the party’s leadership should leave. “If they are tired of the PDP, they should move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) because they already have plans to go there,” he said.

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He also cautioned that anyone trying to hold a meeting while the case was still in court should “prepare well before coming.”

The conflict stems from the party’s decision to replace Anyanwu with Sunday Udeh-Okoye as PDP National Secretary after Anyanwu became the party’s governorship candidate for Imo State in the 2023 election. Anyanwu challenged his removal in court, and the case has now reached the Supreme Court, which recently reserved judgment.

Despite the legal battle, the PDP proceeded with its meeting, chaired by National Chairman Umar Damagum. This was the first major gathering of party leaders since the Supreme Court refused to halt the lower court ruling that replaced Anyanwu with Udeh-Okoye.

Security personnel, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence officers, were deployed to disperse the thugs, ensuring the meeting could proceed without disruption.