PDP Secretariat clash erupts as Bala Mohammed and Taminu Turaki pledge to defend their mandate and Nigeria’s democracy at all costs
Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, and the party’s newly appointed National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, have vowed to protect their mandate and Nigeria’s democracy, even at the risk of their lives.
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The declaration came amid a tense confrontation with the faction led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday. Both leaders accused Wike’s faction of attempting to disrupt party operations.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Mohammed insisted that the PDP leadership had no intention of causing trouble, describing the intrusions by expelled members as a threat to the party’s stability.
He also criticised the involvement of the FCT Minister, alleging bias despite earlier police assurances of impartiality.
“We are here to inaugurate our independence, and we are not going anywhere, even if they will kill us. Enough is enough,” Mohammed said. He further alleged that internal sabotage was undermining the party’s foundation.
Taminu Turaki echoed the determination to defend both their office and Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are willing to lay down our lives to protect our mandate and our democracy,” he stated. Turaki added that his team had informed the FCT Commissioner of Police about their meeting, and had expected protection from disruption.
Meanwhile, suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, described the heightened security at the secretariat as routine for any National Executive Committee or Board of Trustees meeting.
He rejected the legitimacy of purported conventions or expulsions, citing that any official communication to INEC must be signed by him.
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As the standoff continued, teargas was reportedly deployed by security agencies, with both factions remaining at the secretariat in a high-tension standoff, signalling that the party crisis was far from resolution.
