- PDP crisis deepens as rival factions clash at Abuja secretariat
- Wike and Anyanwu loyalists storm venue as Damagum camp holds meeting
- Security personnel assault journalist amid tense confrontation
- Gunshots and teargas force people to flee during PDP leadership clash
The ongoing PDP crisis escalated sharply on Tuesday after a violent confrontation erupted at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, where the Wike–Anyanwu faction and the Damagum-led group clashed while attempting to hold separate meetings at the same venue.
The face-off began when members of both camps arrived at Wadata Plaza around the same time, each insisting they had the right to occupy the premises. The party has been battling a deepening leadership struggle between the bloc loyal to Umar Damagum, the former acting national chairman, and another group aligned with Senator Samuel Anyanwu and supported by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
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The tension followed a controversial National Elective Convention in Ibadan, conducted over the weekend by the Damagum faction, an exercise the opposing camp dismissed as illegal and unacceptable.
Witnesses said the situation became chaotic as both factions tried to force entry into the secretariat. Security personnel struggled to control the crowd, and in the process, an AIT video journalist was reportedly beaten, manhandled, and had his camera destroyed.
Wike, who was present at the scene, was seen engaging in a heated confrontation with governors supporting the Damagum camp. The governors had gained early access to the building and were addressing journalists when the fracas broke out.
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Moments later, sounds of gunshots and teargas filled the area, sending party members, staff, and bystanders running for safety. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “total confusion,” with people hiding behind vehicles and fleeing into nearby streets.
The clash adds another layer to the growing internal feud threatening the stability of the opposition party ahead of crucial political realignments nationwide. Both factions have refused to back down, each claiming legitimate authority over the party’s affairs.
Further updates are expected as security officials and party leaders attempt to restore order and address the latest breakdown at the PDP secretariat.
