PDP Crisis: Standoff As Makinde, Bala Dare Police, Defy Order to Leave Secretariat
…Even Police Scamper for Safety From Own Teargas
Tension rose sharply on Monday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, as the camps loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, engaged in a standoff with the faction aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Trouble started when a senior police officer leading the security team at the secretariat ordered Governors Makinde and Mohammed, along with their supporters, to vacate the premises. But Governor Mohammed, speaking on behalf of his group, demanded that the same directive be issued to Wike and his loyalists.
He argued that the FCT Minister, who they accused of working closely with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could not continue to dictate affairs within the PDP while allegedly fraternising with the opposition.
Both factions refused to leave, resulting in a tense face-off as each side attempted to assert control over the secretariat.
By 12:50 p.m., the situation escalated further when police fired multiple rounds of teargas in an attempt to disperse the gathering. Journalists, party members and onlookers scampered for safety as the fumes spread.
In a dramatic twist, some police officers caught in the teargas cloud also fled the scene, coughing and struggling for breath.
Despite the chaos, the two warring camps remained adamant, holding their positions around the secretariat even as officers continued to push crowds away.
The deadlock persisted at press time, with police and party officials struggling to restore order.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
