The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki (SAN), on Tuesday postponed the party’s inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting following a tense confrontation at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Turaki told journalists that the meeting could not hold because individuals expelled from the party allegedly led thugs to the secretariat and used tear gas in an attempt to disrupt activities. He warned that the development posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He spoke during a press briefing attended by governors, lawmakers, former ministers, former governors, state chairmen and members of the Board of Trustees.
The PDP chairman explained that the party had earlier informed the FCT Commissioner of Police about the planned meeting and received assurances of security. He confirmed that police officers ensured his team gained access to the premises despite the disruption.
“Yesterday, some members of the NWC and I met with the Commissioner of Police. I informed him we would hold our inaugural meeting today, and he assured us of protection,” Turaki said.
He added that the scale of the disturbance forced the postponement of the meeting to Wednesday.
“Due to the incidents caused by enemies of progress and enemies of democracy, we have decided to shift the meeting till tomorrow,” he announced.
Turaki alleged that the attackers not only came with thugs but used tear gas canisters he believed were not issued by the police. He insisted the attack confirmed reports that expelled members were plotting to illegally convene NEC and BoT meetings to undermine the party’s leadership.
“You saw how they came with thugs, armed to fight us. This is not police tear gas. I don’t know how they got it, but they sprayed it on us,” he said.
The PDP chairman described the situation as a dangerous signal for the country, urging Nigerians and, if necessary, the international community to act to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
“There is a serious threat to democracy in this country. If democracy crumbles, that will be the end of this country. But for us in the PDP, if it means laying down our lives for democracy to survive, we are prepared,” he said.
Turaki reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to peace and democratic engagement, noting that the party aims to return to power through legitimate means. He thanked party stakeholders and journalists who remained at the secretariat despite the tear gas and commotion.
“We are a peace-loving party. We want peace to reign because we want to take over governance. And for that to happen, we need a country in place,” he stated.
He also maintained that the NWC under his leadership is fully operational at the Wadata Plaza headquarters.
“We have taken over our office and will continue to give leadership and direction to this party from our national headquarters,” Turaki said.
