PDP Shifts NWC Meeting as Turaki, Wike Factions Clash at Secretariat

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday postponed its National Working Committee (NWC) inaugural meeting following heightened tensions and disturbances around its national secretariat in Wuse, Abuja.

Announcing the decision at the party headquarters, National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the meeting could not proceed due to disruptions allegedly orchestrated by opponents of the new leadership.

“Because of incidents caused by enemies of progress and democracy, we have resolved to postpone this meeting till tomorrow,” Turaki told reporters.

Turaki was flanked by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who restated the party’s commitment to peaceful engagement and internal order.

The postponement followed a growing standoff between Turaki’s camp and loyalists of the Nyesom Wike-led faction.
Both groups had scheduled parallel executive meetings for Tuesday.

Earlier, supporters of the Wike faction—including women and youth groups—took over adjoining streets around the Wadata Plaza secretariat, wielding placards reading “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.”

The faction was said to have gained early access to the secretariat around 9:45 a.m., led by former acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and accompanied by heavily armed police operatives.

Turaki disclosed that he had earlier notified the FCT Commissioner of Police of the planned meeting and was assured of security coverage.

“He assured us of adequate protection to conduct our meeting. I am happy he fulfilled that promise and ensured we gained entry into our Secretariat,” he said.

Turaki appreciated former governors, National Assembly members and Board of Trustees members who came to show solidarity, insisting the PDP remains focused on unity and reclaiming national leadership.

“We are peace-loving people. We want a united country because we are preparing to take over governance. To achieve that, peace must reign,” he said.

The rescheduled NWC meeting is expected to hold on Wednesday as the party continues efforts to stabilise its leadership structure amid widening internal divisions.