Tension as Wike Enters PDP Secretariat Amid Police Teargas Barrage

Tension heighted on Tuesday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, arrived the premises amid heavy deployment of police officers and repeated firing of teargas.

Wike, who gained access to the complex without resistance from security operatives, proceeded directly to the main building where leaders of the two contending factions were already in a closed-door meeting.

His arrival coincided with fresh bursts of teargas around the secretariat, forcing party officials, visitors and journalists to scamper for safety as the choking fumes swept through the compound.

Reporters and other individuals hanging around the premises were eventually forced out, as the police intensified crowd dispersal around the two entry gates.

No fewer than 22 police trucks, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), were positioned strategically around the secretariat. Armed operatives mounted strict checks, frisking anyone attempting to approach the gates, with many turned back.

Calm gradually returned after Wike settled inside the building, although journalists who managed to endure the teargas were blocked from covering the meeting.

Details are still emerging as discussions among the factional leaders continue.