Turaki-Led PDP Condemns Police Unsealing of Secretariat Amid Legal Appeal
The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Nigeria Police Force for what it describes as a blatant act of contempt of court, following the unsealing of the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. In a press statement released on April 11, 2026, the PDP accused the police of facilitating a takeover by individuals it labeled as "agents of the federal government and APC apologists masquerading as PDP members," despite an ongoing appeal in the matter.
Legal and Political Implications of the Unsealing
According to the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the police relied on a judgment by Justice Abdulmalik to unseal the Wadata Plaza headquarters, even though this judgment is currently under appeal. The party emphasized that the police, as a party to the suit, had been duly served and were fully aware of the appellate process. By proceeding with the unsealing, the PDP argued that the police had "tampered with the res," a legal term referring to the subject matter of litigation, which risks rendering any future judgment from the Court of Appeal ineffective.
The statement expressed deep disappointment, noting that "it is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law." The PDP alleged that under the leadership of the new Inspector General, the police have continued a pattern of partisan conduct since the crisis began, consistently supporting what it calls a "Wike-backed APC apologists" faction. This, the party claims, has exacerbated internal tensions within the opposition and raised serious concerns about institutional neutrality in Nigeria's democratic framework.
Call for Calm and Legal Recourse
Despite these grievances, the PDP urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding, avoiding any actions that could lead to a breakdown of public order. "As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace," the statement read. The party pledged to pursue all available legal avenues to defend the rights of what it terms "genuine members" of the PDP, expressing optimism that the situation will be resolved in favor of democratic principles.
Warning against what it described as a "state-sponsored persecution and one-party drive," the PDP invoked a note of hope, asserting that the current challenges would ultimately give way to "joy and liberation." It expressed confidence in the restoration of a true democratic experience in Nigeria, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the rule of law amidst the protracted leadership and legal tussle.
The unsealing of the PDP secretariat marks the latest development in a series of events that have generated significant political tension, highlighting ongoing disputes within the party and broader issues of governance and legal integrity in the country's political landscape.
