The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused state-backed actors and expelled party members of leading a violent attempt to block its newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) from accessing the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Nigerians showed “remarkable courage” by standing with the party as security operatives and hired thugs allegedly loyal to expelled former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, barricaded the entrance and fired tear gas at governors, party officials, and supporters.
The party claims over 200 canisters were fired, causing a stampede and injuries, despite the gathering being peaceful and lawful.
The PDP leadership—including National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo)—eventually gained access after supporters insisted the legitimate NWC must not be shut out.
Describing the incident as “a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy,” the PDP warned that suppressing the opposition threatens free elections and risks dragging the nation toward authoritarianism.
The party called on the international community to condemn the assault and urged security agencies to avoid partisanship and instead confront the country’s worsening insecurity.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 political contest, the PDP vowed to resist any attempt to derail democracy.
