Tension erupted at the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday as supporters of Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary, clashed with backers of Udeh Okoye, who is also claiming the position. The confrontation took place during the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting.
The meeting, chaired by Adolphus Wabara, was convened to address the leadership dispute that has split the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) into two factions. Among the prominent attendees were acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, ex-Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido.
However, tensions boiled over as supporters from both camps engaged in a violent altercation, disrupting the proceedings.
In response to the chaos, security at the PDP headquarters, Wadata Plaza, was intensified. A heavy presence of police officers, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, soldiers, and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was observed at the venue to restore order.