The deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday exploded into a chaotic confrontation in Abuja, prompting the party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, to issue an extraordinary appeal to United States President Donald Trump and other foreign powers to intervene and “save Nigeria’s democracy.”
Trouble began shortly before the rival factions of the party scheduled parallel National Executive Committee meetings at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja — a move that set loyalists of Turaki and supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on a collision course.
Speaking moments before the clash, Turaki accused Wike of “leading armed thugs” with alleged police backing to disrupt party structures and intimidate elected party officials.
“I want to call on President Trump. What is at stake is not just genocide against Christians — he should come and save democracy in Nigeria,” Turaki told reporters.
“Democracy is under threat. I am calling on all advanced democracies: come and save Nigeria.”
He claimed that the crisis had worsened to the point where party leaders were prepared to “pay the ultimate price” to defend the country’s democratic institutions.
“We are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect democracy and to protect our mandate,” he said.
Tension surged when the party’s National Secretary aligned with Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, arrived at the complex with supporters to hold a separate NEC and Board of Trustees meeting. Shouting matches erupted between both camps, with each faction accusing the other of attempting a “hostile takeover.”
The situation quickly deteriorated, forcing police operatives stationed at the premises to intervene. Officers ordered everyone — including senior officials — out of the compound after several heated attempts to restore order failed.
Minutes later, chaos spiralled out of control. Policemen fired teargas canisters to disperse the crowd as supporters of both camps hurled insults and attempted to force their way into the secretariat.
The teargas triggered panic across the compound, sending journalists, staff, and party members fleeing as they coughed and shielded their faces. Some were seen stumbling into the streets as the confrontation spilled outside the gates.
Outside the premises, rival groups clashed again, wielding sticks and other objects while chanting slogans against one another.
The party — once Nigeria’s dominant political force — remains engulfed in turmoil as both factions continue to claim legitimacy. Turaki’s newly constituted National Working Committee insists it has the backing of the party’s majority, while the Wike-aligned bloc maintains it is the authentic leadership.
Efforts at reconciliation have repeatedly collapsed, and Tuesday’s upheaval further underscored the intensity of the internal war tearing the PDP apart ahead of crucial internal decisions and upcoming elections.
For now, the party’s national secretariat remains sealed off by police, and the crisis shows no sign of slowing down.
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