There was pandemonium at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday as gunshots and teargas rocked the Wadata Plaza during a heated clash between rival party factions.

The crisis began after both the National Working Committee (NWC) elected in Ibadan and the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, scheduled meetings for the same day—setting the stage for confrontation.

How the chaos started

Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, arrived at the party headquarters earlier in the day along with members of his group. Not long after, the faction led by Taminu Turaki also showed up but was stopped at the entrance.

Tension rose quickly as two governors aligned with the Turaki camp forced their way into the building. The move heightened the standoff, and more supporters tried to push through.

Gunshots and tear gas scatter supporters

The situation spiraled out of control when security operatives fired gunshots into the air and released teargas to disperse the growing crowd. Panic immediately spread across the area as party members, supporters, and passersby fled for safety.

Witnesses said the atmosphere became chaotic, with people coughing, running, and scrambling for cover as the clash intensified.

Anyanwu reacts, calls security presence ‘routine’

Before the arrival of the opposing camp, Anyanwu had addressed journalists from his office, describing the heavy security around Wadata Plaza as nothing unusual.

He insisted that his faction was fully prepared for the scheduled Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, despite the tension within the party.

A party in turmoil

The PDP has been battling internal division for months, with the Wike-backed faction and other party leaders struggling for control of the party’s leadership structure.
Tuesday’s confrontation marks one of the most chaotic moments yet, raising concerns about the stability of the party ahead of major political activities.