PDP Suspends NEC Meeting After issues at Abuja Secretariat

The Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday postponed its planned National Working Committee meeting after tension broke out around its national secretariat in Wuse, Abuja. The development followed a clash between the bloc led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki and supporters of the Nyesom Wike-aligned faction.

Turaki told journalists at the party headquarters that the meeting would no longer hold because of disruptions caused by groups opposed to the party’s leadership. He spoke in the presence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who had joined him at the secretariat.

The delay comes during an ongoing struggle for control of the party after Turaki was announced as national chairman at a convention held on Saturday in Ibadan. The Wike faction did not attend that convention and has since challenged the leadership structure.

Both factions had fixed meetings for Tuesday at the same secretariat. Before the scheduled time, supporters of the Wike camp, made up mostly of women and young people, filled the streets around Wadata Plaza with placards calling for the removal of Turaki. The group reportedly arrived as early as 9:45 a.m., led by the removed Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and were accompanied by armed police officers who took positions around the building.

Turaki later explained that he had earlier informed the FCT Commissioner of Police about the planned meeting and was assured of security around the venue. He said police officers allowed his team to enter the secretariat but noted that rising tension outside made it difficult to proceed with the gathering.

He thanked former governors, National Assembly members, party elders and Board of Trustees members who came to show support, adding that the party remains committed to stability as it works toward strengthening its structure.

The meeting is now expected to take place on Wednesday as the party continues efforts to manage internal rifts and maintain order in its activities.