On Monday morning, June 30, 2025, armed policemen deployed in large numbers took control of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, in a move that has heightened tensions within the party ahead of a highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the same day.
The police presence was heavy and strategic, with officers mounting guard at the gates of the NEC hall, barring entry to members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), including prominent figures such as Maina Chiroma. The BoT members were prevented from holding their meeting at the secretariat, a session intended to precede the expanded caucus meeting of the NEC. Reports indicate that the police acted on what was described by party insiders as an “order from above”.
The deployment of security forces extended beyond the secretariat itself, with Dalaba Street—the main road leading to Wadata Plaza—cordoned off by policemen, effectively sealing off access to the party headquarters. Journalists covering the event were also asked to leave the premises, and some party staff initially allowed inside were later escorted out by security operatives.
This police intervention has been widely interpreted as an attempt to disrupt the PDP’s internal processes at a critical juncture. The party has been embroiled in an internal crisis for several years, marked by leadership tussles and legal battles, particularly over the position of National Secretary. Both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have laid claim to this role, leading to multiple court cases and conflicting interpretations of Supreme Court rulings.
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, had announced the postponement of the NEC meeting last week, but the National Working Committee (NWC) insisted that the 100th NEC meeting would proceed as planned on June 30. The BoT, which opposes some of Damagun’s decisions, was set to meet to discuss the party’s direction but was blocked by the police.
In response to the police blockade, the PDP swiftly relocated its BoT meeting from the Wadata Plaza to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District. The party condemned the police action as harassment and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the security deployment to undermine the PDP’s internal democracy.
The PDP’s official statement on social media described the police presence as an attempt to intimidate party members and disrupt the scheduled meetings. The party urged all BoT members to proceed to the new venue and continue their deliberations despite the interference.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command denied allegations that it had sealed off the PDP secretariat. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh described the reports as “false, misleading, and not reflective of the true situation on the ground,” suggesting a dispute over the narrative of the events.
The escalating security presence and the barring of party officials from their headquarters underscore the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has seen frequent postponements of key meetings and ongoing legal wrangling over leadership. The tension between the Acting National Chairman and other party organs, including the BoT and NWC, reflects a broader struggle for control within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Political analysts warn that the current impasse could have significant implications for the PDP’s cohesion and electoral prospects, especially as internal divisions become more public and security forces get involved in what is fundamentally a political dispute.
As of the time of reporting, the situation remains fluid, with the relocated BoT meeting underway at the Yar’Adua Centre and the NEC meeting’s status uncertain. Observers continue to monitor the developments closely, noting that the involvement of state security agencies in party affairs is a worrying sign for Nigeria’s democratic processes.
The PDP has been Nigeria’s main opposition party since losing the presidency in 2015. Its internal crises have often spilled into the public domain, with factions disputing leadership legitimacy and control of party structures. The National Secretary position, in particular, has been a flashpoint, with competing claims and court rulings failing to bring lasting resolution.
The recent police intervention at the party secretariat is unprecedented in scale and symbolism, signaling a new phase in the party’s struggles. It raises questions about the role of security agencies in political party affairs and the extent to which external forces may be influencing internal party dynamics.
The PDP leadership faces the immediate challenge of reconciling its factions and restoring order within its ranks. The BoT meeting at the new venue is expected to address the crisis and possibly chart a way forward. However, the police action and the denial by the FCT Police Command suggest that the dispute may not be resolved without further confrontation.
The broader political community, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which the PDP leadership had engaged following previous postponements, will be watching closely. The outcome of this crisis could shape the party’s readiness for upcoming elections and its ability to present a united front against the ruling APC.
Armed policemen took over the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, barring BoT members from holding their meetings.
The police acted on an alleged “order from above” to prevent the NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting.
The PDP relocated its BoT meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre and condemned the police action as harassment and political interference.
The FCT Police Command denied sealing off the secretariat, calling reports misleading.
The crisis centers on leadership disputes, especially over the National Secretary position, with ongoing court cases and factional disagreements.
The situation highlights the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and raises concerns about security forces’ involvement in political party affairs.
This developing story will continue to unfold as the PDP seeks to resolve its internal conflicts under the watchful eyes of the Nigerian public and political stakeholders.
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