The Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday deferred its National Working Committee meeting following heightened tension around its national secretariat in Wuse, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters, PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki explained that the postponement became necessary after disruptions linked to opponents of the current leadership.
“Due to some incidents caused by those who are the enemies of progress, the enemies of democracy, we have decided to postpone this meeting till tomorrow,” Turaki stated.
He addressed the press alongside Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reaffirming the party’s commitment to maintaining peace and order. The development comes amid a deepening standoff between Turaki’s faction and supporters aligned with Nyesom Wike.
Turaki had emerged as national chairman during a controversial convention last Saturday, a gathering boycotted by the Wike-led bloc. Both camps scheduled meetings at the secretariat on Tuesday, further escalating the power tussle.
Supporters of the Wike-backed faction, predominantly women and youths, occupied the streets around Wadata Plaza earlier in the day, displaying placards with inscriptions such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.” The group, led by the sacked Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and accompanied by heavily armed police personnel, reportedly took control of the premises by 9:45 a.m.
Turaki also detailed the security assurances obtained before the planned meeting. He said he had informed the FCT Commissioner of Police of the NWC’s intention to convene and drew attention to social media flyers announcing meetings by individuals he claimed were no longer party members.
According to him, the police assured full protection, adding that he was satisfied with their efforts in ensuring his team gained access to the secretariat.
“Now, however, due to some incidents that are caused by those people who are the enemies of progress, who are the enemies of democracy, we have decided that this meeting will be postponed till tomorrow,” he reiterated.
Turaki expressed gratitude to party leaders, former governors, members of the National Assembly and the Board of Trustees who were present to show support.
“We in the PDP are a peace-loving people. We want peace to reign because we want to take over governance in this country. And so, if we want to take over governance in this country, then we need to have one country in place,” he said.
The rescheduled National Working Committee meeting is expected to hold on Wednesday, with the party maintaining that unity and orderly conduct remain its priorities.
