The Peoples Democratic Party faction loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike has taken over the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The takeover of the party’s secretariat was reportedly ahead of a parallel meeting scheduled for the same venue by the faction that held its national convention in Ibadan over the weekend.
Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, arrived at the secretariat with some members of his group.
Shortly after, members of the Taminu Turaki-led faction also arrived but were blocked from entering.
Reports indicate that two governors from the Turaki faction forced their way into the building.
Security operatives responded by firing gunshots and releasing teargas to disperse remaining members, triggering panic and confusion as attendees scrambled for safety.
While speaking to newsmen before the arrival of the Turaki faction, Anyanwu described the security presence as routine, aimed at maintaining order during Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. He confirmed that his faction was prepared to hold the meetings as scheduled