PDP Headquarters Erupts in Chaos as Wike Confronts Governors
A major political confrontation unfolded on Tuesday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, where rival factions clashed violently and tear gas was deployed against party members.
The crisis reached its peak when Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike physically blocked the motorcades of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, preventing them from accessing the party headquarters.
Gates Locked, Governors Forced to Walk
The dramatic events began around 10:45 a.m. when Governors Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors' Forum, and Seyi Makinde arrived at the party secretariat for a scheduled meeting. To their surprise, they found the main gates securely padlocked.
The two governors were compelled to abandon their official vehicles and enter the compound on foot, leaving their extensive motorcades parked outside the premises. A source close to the governors stated: "We had to walk in because this is our party and we have a right to be here."
Tear Gas Fired as Violence Erupts
The situation deteriorated rapidly when the governors and their aides attempted to access the National Executive Committee hall. Supporters from one faction released tear gas into the crowd, triggering widespread panic and chaos throughout the secretariat complex.
Security operatives subsequently fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse party members, journalists, and political supporters who had gathered inside the premises. "It was shocking. Tear gas was everywhere. People ran for safety," recounted a party staff member who witnessed the violent scene.
Despite the initial disruption, the governors eventually managed to bring their vehicles into the compound after the situation temporarily calmed.
Wike Escalates Standoff with Motorcade Blockade
The political drama intensified at approximately 11:15 a.m. when Minister Wike arrived at the scene. In a bold move that further escalated tensions, Wike positioned his vehicle to directly block the governors' motorcades in front of the secretariat entrance.
The confrontation required intervention from senior police officer Deputy Commissioner of Police Ishiaku Sharu, who ordered Governor Mohammed and his team to vacate the premises. However, Governor Mohammed stood his ground, refusing to leave unless Wike also departed from the location.
"We will leave only if everyone, including Wike, leaves. This is a party space, not a private arena," Governor Mohammed declared firmly.
The ongoing crisis follows recent developments where the Bala Mohammed-led faction announced during a meeting in Ibadan on Saturday that Wike and several other members had been expelled from the PDP. As of reporting time, the party had not released any official statement regarding Tuesday's violent confrontation.
