Tensions erupted at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday as supporters of Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary, clashed with backers of Udeh Okoye, who is also claiming the position. The confrontation occurred during the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting.
The meeting, presided over by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, was attended by key party figures, including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, ex-Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido.
The BoT, regarded as the conscience of the party, had convened the meeting to resolve the leadership tussle over the National Secretary position, which has caused a division within the PDP National Working Committee.
However, proceedings were disrupted when supporters from both factions engaged in a violent clash, escalating tensions at the secretariat.
In response, security measures were heightened at the Wadata Plaza headquarters. Police, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, soldiers, and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to restore order.