Chaos at PDP National Secretariat as Police Fire Teargas to Disperse Rioting Supporters

Tension soared at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as police fired teargas to disperse rioting supporters amid a deepening leadership crisis tearing the opposition party apart.

The violence broke out at the party’s Wadata Plaza secretariat when Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed arrived alongside members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

Their presence triggered fierce resistance from loyalists of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s faction, who attempted to block their entry into the complex.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of pushing, shouting, and the throwing of objects as supporters of both factions clashed, prompting security operatives to fire multiple rounds of teargas to restore order.

The situation escalated further when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, arrived at the premises. Wike, a central figure in the party’s internal disputes, remained inside his vehicle for over 30 minutes due to the volatile atmosphere.

His presence heightened tension among both camps already on edge.

Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed, after eventually gaining access, spoke to journalists about the ordeal.

They described how police used teargas as they attempted to calm agitated party supporters who insisted on preventing any perceived rival faction from entering the secretariat.

Party insiders say the confrontation is the latest in a series of clashes resulting from the unresolved struggle over the PDP’s national leadership, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy.

As of the time of filing this report, security has been reinforced around Wadata Plaza, while both factions continue to hold emergency meetings behind closed doors.

The PDP has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.