In a development that has stirred political controversy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja was reportedly sealed off by police on Monday. The police action prevented PDP leaders from holding their scheduled Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting at the secretariat, compelling them to relocate the meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District.
The police justified their deployment as a measure to maintain law and order. Nevertheless, the move has sparked intense criticism from PDP members and political commentators, who view it as an infringement on the party’s rights.
Dele Momodu, a prominent PDP leader, accused unidentified “bullies” of masterminding the police blockade. On social media, Momodu lamented, “This is not how to use federal might… PDP has the right to hold its meetings peacefully… But some bullies don’t want that… Allah akbar.”
The incident has also intensified calls within the PDP for disciplinary action against certain party members. Braide Tammy, for instance, called for the expulsion of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who many suspect to be behind the police action. Tammy criticized the party’s leadership for allowing internal interests to undermine the PDP, stating, “PDP has allowed the interest of few persons to rubbish itself. Why are they afraid to expel the likes of Wike? Na their papa get the party.”
Political analyst Olajide Balogun highlighted the factional nature of the crisis, noting, “BOT is anti-Wike & Pro-Atiku—change of venue, to Yar’dua centre is quite instructive.” Balogun also cited President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the National Assembly on June 12, where the president expressed satisfaction at witnessing the opposition’s confusion: “It is indeed a great pleasure to see you in disarray.”
Defending Wike, Chinaka Ugwu argued that the party’s troubles are collective and not solely attributable to the minister. “What has Wike got to do with obeying Supreme Court ruling? Was Wike the one who announced there will be no NEC meeting but expanded caucus meeting today?” Ugwu questioned.
Meanwhile, social media commentary has been largely critical of the PDP’s state, with one user, Onoriode, describing the party as “A sinking ship soon to be found at the bottom of the sea.”
As the PDP grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, the police’s involvement in sealing the party secretariat marks a significant flashpoint in Nigeria’s political discourse.