Politicians scamper for safety as police disperse supporters with teargas at PDP secretariat

Tension escalated at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as police officers fired teargas to break up clashes between rival factions and their supporters.

The unrest erupted after the arrival of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed — both members of the Tanimu Turaki-led executive.

Their entry triggered confrontation with supporters loyal to suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, who attempted to prevent the governors from accessing the premises.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also arrived at the secretariat shortly after, adding to the already charged atmosphere.

Speaking to journalists, the governors narrated how they were caught in the chaos, including the teargas deployment and resistance from Anyanwu’s supporters.

The violent confrontation occurred ahead of parallel meetings scheduled by the two factions at the same venue.

The Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), elected at the controversial Ibadan convention over the weekend, had summoned its inaugural session for 8:00 a.m. at the secretariat.

Police storm PDP national secretariat ahead of BoT, NWC meetings

On the other hand, the Abdulrahman-led faction also fixed emergency meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively — creating a direct clash over control of the party offices.

To prevent further breakdown of order, security agencies were deployed to the area. Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) mounted guard at all entry points and strategic spots within and around the premises.

Multiple patrol vehicles were also stationed on adjoining roads as security operatives moved to maintain calm while both factions continued to lay claim to party structures at the national secretariat.

The Star