Panic broke out on Tuesday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja as security operatives fired gunshots and used teargas to control escalating tension between rival party factions.
The crisis began when the National Working Committee (NWC) elected in Ibadan and the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, scheduled parallel meetings for the same day.
Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, arrived at the Wadata Plaza with some supporters. Shortly after, members of the Taminu Turaki faction also arrived but were prevented from entering the premises.
Despite the restrictions, two governors managed to force their way into the building. As more members tried to enter, security personnel opened fire into the air and released teargas to disperse the crowd, causing people to flee in panic.
Before the confrontation, Anyanwu had spoken to journalists from his office, describing the increased security presence as a routine precaution to maintain order. He also stated that his group was fully prepared for both the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings scheduled for the day.
