PDP NWC meeting postponed after unrest at Wuse Secretariat; Turaki blames opposition supporters, vows unity and orderly conduct
The Peoples Democratic Party postponed its National Working Committee meeting on Tuesday following unrest outside its national secretariat in Wuse, Abuja.
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Addressing journalists at the party headquarters, PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki said the decision was made due to disruptions caused by opponents of the party 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 said. He was joined by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who reiterated the party’s commitment to peace and orderly conduct.
The postponement follows a standoff between Turaki’s faction and supporters of the Nyesom Wike-led bloc. Turaki was elected PDP National Chairman during a disputed convention on Saturday, which the Wike-led faction boycotted. Both factions had planned executive meetings at the party secretariat on Tuesday.
Supporters of the Wike-led faction, mainly women and youth groups, had taken to the streets around Wadata Plaza carrying placards with slogans such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.” By 9:45 am, the faction, led by sacked Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and accompanied by heavily armed police, reportedly took control of the secretariat.
Turaki also described the security arrangements preceding the planned meeting, noting that he had informed the Commissioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory about the gathering and had received assurances of protection.
“I told [the Commissioner of Police] that we are coming today to have our inaugural NWC meeting, and he assured us that he is going to provide security for us to conduct our meeting,” Turaki said.
Despite gaining entry to the Secretariat, Turaki confirmed the meeting’s postponement due to the ongoing disruptions. He thanked party leaders, former governors, lawmakers, and members of the Board of Trustees for their solidarity.
“We in PDP are a peace-loving people. We want peace to reign because we want to take over governance in this country,” Turaki added.
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The postponed NWC meeting is now expected to hold on Wednesday, with the party affirming its commitment to unity and orderly conduct in all its activities.
