The Nigeria Police Force has shut down the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following a tense standoff between rival factions that attempted to take control of the party headquarters on Wednesday morning.
The closure comes less than 24 hours after heightened tension was recorded around the complex, where supporters of the two opposing blocs, led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former Minister Tanimu Turaki, mobilised for separate meetings in a bid to assert dominance over the party structure.
A video obtained by DAILY GAZETTEÂ showed police operatives mounting heavy barricades and rolls of barbed wire across the entrance to prevent access to the building.
Security officials were also seen stationed across adjoining streets to forestall any outbreak of violence.
Sources said the decision to seal the secretariat was taken to avert a potential clash, after reports indicated that both factions were mobilising supporters and musicians to the venue early Wednesday, causing panic among nearby residents and businesses.
Earlier, DAILY GAZETTE reported a massive deployment of police officers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and civil defence personnel around Zone 5, where the secretariat is located.
Supporters of both groups were seen chanting, dancing, and displaying banners as they attempted to occupy strategic positions near the plaza.
The developing crisis follows renewed internal battles over party leadership and control, with both factions planning parallel meetings at the same venue.
The police are yet to issue an official statement on when the secretariat will be reopened.
Details shortly…
