The political landscape in Nigeria's capital witnessed dramatic developments as the Peoples Democratic Party's internal crisis reached a boiling point, prompting extraordinary international appeals from party leadership.
Desperate Plea for International Intervention
Kabiru Turaki, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, made a startling appeal to United States President Donald Trump and the global community during the escalating party crisis in Abuja on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Turaki urgently called for international intervention, warning that Nigeria's democratic foundations are facing serious threats.
In emotional statements captured on video, Turaki declared, "I want to call on President Trump. What is at stake is not just genocide against Christians; he should come and save democracy in Nigeria. Democracy is under threat, I am calling all other developed nations, all advanced democracy, come and save Nigeria."
Violent Clashes and Police Intervention
The political tension manifested physically at the PDP national headquarters in Wadata Plaza, where rival factions clashed violently. According to Turaki's allegations, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike led armed thugs with police backing to disrupt legitimate party activities.
Security forces responded to the escalating situation by firing teargas to disperse supporters as tensions rose sharply outside the party headquarters. Police officers were deployed to push back crowds and prevent the confrontation from worsening.
Turaki emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that circumstances had deteriorated to a level requiring global attention. "We are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect democracy, and to protect our mandate," he asserted, demonstrating the depth of commitment among party leaders.
Nigerian Public Reacts to Political Drama
The unfolding political drama generated significant reactions across social media platforms, reflecting divided opinions among Nigerian citizens.
Twitter user @Jimada_Gana expressed skepticism, commenting, "Calling on Trump to save democracy in Nigeria is the most unserious thing I've heard all week. If PDP had protected democracy when they had power, we wouldn't be here today. Truly, PDP has entered a comedy era."
However, @Atobajaye25 offered a more concerned perspective: "Fellow Nigerians, we must not look away. What is happening within the PDP poses a serious threat to our democracy. We have seen in the past how similar disruptions affected the Labour Party, and now the PDP is facing the same challenges."
Another social media commentator, @OfficiaEdoOsasB, analyzed Turaki's specific wording about Christian genocide, suggesting this indicated broader concerns beyond mere political competition.
Parallel Meetings and Leadership Battle
The crisis intensified as rival factions scheduled separate National Executive Committee meetings at the same party headquarters. Factions loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister Nyesom Wike planned parallel gatherings, creating the conditions for direct confrontation.
Tanimu Turaki, the newly appointed PDP chairman, had previously warned that expelled Wike loyalists lacked legal standing and alerted police authorities to prevent potential disruptions. The current conflict stems from the controversial Ibadan convention that resulted in the expulsion of key allies associated with Nyesom Wike.
The situation represents a critical battle for control of Nigeria's main opposition party, with significant implications for the country's political balance and democratic health as the nation moves toward the 2027 electoral cycle.
