Tension erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, November 18, when former Benue state governor Samuel Ortom was physically escorted out of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) hall during a crucial meeting.
Chaos at PDP Headquarters
The political drama unfolded as opposing factions within the troubled party clashed over control of the Wadata Plaza secretariat. Police intervention became necessary as officers fired teargas to prevent certain officials from entering the premises, creating a chaotic atmosphere around the party's national headquarters.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that Ortom, a key ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was in the process of entering the hall when individuals approached and led him out. The incident occurred while Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state were addressing journalists nearby.
Background of PDP Internal Conflict
The PDP has been grappling with internal crisis for approximately two years, with tensions reaching new heights in recent days. The situation escalated following a factional convention held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Saturday, November 15.
During the Ibadan convention, Wike and his allies, including Ortom, were formally expelled from the party. However, the Wike-led faction dismissed both the convention and their expulsion as illegitimate, setting the stage for the confrontations that occurred at the Abuja headquarters.
The newly constituted national working committee (NWC) accused Wike's group of attempting to disrupt their scheduled meeting, leading to the dramatic events that saw the former Benue governor removed from the hall.
Nigerians React to Political Drama
The video of Ortom's removal quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians expressed diverse opinions about the incident.
Opposition figure Morris Monye captured the shock many felt, writing: "See how they bounced a whole former Governor." Another user, @Ijalejoseff, pointed fingers at Governor Seyi Makinde, tweeting: "Seyi Makinde betrayed his G5 crew!"
The public embarrassment aspect was highlighted by @MaRyAm_MuKtAr, who commented: "Public embarrassment. They are acting like uneducated people." Meanwhile, Isaac Oladipupo described the scene as "Ortom escorted out like an ex convict. PDP self-destructing beautifully."
Some commentators questioned the political strategy behind the incident. @megaflexing expressed confusion: "I still don't understand. Why insist to stay in a party and be working for another? Unbelievable! Clearly a lack of honour and integrity."
The theatrical nature of the ongoing PDP crisis was noted by @dele003, who wrote: "This matter is not ending anytime soon, na season film be this." Another user, @Maxajee, suggested broader political implications: "The APC has successfully destabilised the PDP. There's no opposition in Nigeria."
Parallel Expulsions and Counter-Moves
In a related development, the Wike-led faction of the PDP had previously expelled Governor Makinde and several other prominent party members. Those expelled included Zamfara state governor Dauda Lawal, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and Taofeek Arapaja, among others.
The ongoing power struggle reflects deeper ideological and strategic divisions within Nigeria's main opposition party, raising questions about its ability to present a united front in future elections. The situation continues to develop as both factions maintain their positions and legitimacy claims.
