By: CoolNews Correspondent, Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria — There was palpable tension on Tuesday afternoon at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, after a violent clash erupted among rival party supporters, forcing security operatives to intervene to restore order.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke with CoolNews Nigeria, the incident began shortly after midday when two opposing groups of PDP loyalists converged on the secretariat ahead of a scheduled meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
HOW THE FIGHT STARTED
Sources inside Wadata Plaza said the situation escalated when members of a faction accused another faction of attempting to “hijack” the planned meeting to push their preferred agenda. Heated verbal exchanges quickly turned into shoves, and within minutes, the argument degenerated into a physical confrontation.
Witnesses reported that stones, sticks, and other objects were hurled as both sides engaged in a free-for-all. Vehicles parked within the premises were vandalized, and several people sustained minor injuries while trying to escape the chaos.
One eyewitness who preferred anonymity said:
“It started like a normal argument, but suddenly people began pushing each other. Before we knew it, they were fighting everywhere. People were running for safety.”
SECURITY REINFORCEMENT ARRIVES
Security personnel stationed at the secretariat were initially overwhelmed, prompting a call for reinforcement from nearby police units. A team of policemen arrived at the scene and fired several canisters of tear gas into the air to disperse the warring groups.
The police then cordoned off the main entrance of Wadata Plaza, restricting movement as they attempted to calm the situation. Staff members, journalists, and visitors were temporarily evacuated from the premises.
WHAT TRIGGERED THE TENSION
Although the exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear, party insiders suggested that it may be connected to ongoing disagreements over internal leadership issues and the direction of the party ahead of upcoming political activities.
Another PDP official who witnessed the confrontation told CoolNews Nigeria:
“These tensions have been building up for weeks. Today was just the peak. People are angry over positions, influence, and control.”
PARTY LEADERSHIP RESPONDS
In a brief statement issued shortly after order was restored, a senior party official condemned the violence and insisted that the PDP remains committed to peaceful internal democracy.
The statement urged members to avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the party, while also assuring the public that an investigation will be carried out to identify those involved in the disruption.
SITUATION AS AT PRESS TIME
As of the time of filing this report, normalcy has returned to Wadata Plaza, although security presence remains heavy around the building. Party activities have resumed on a limited scale, with staff cautiously returning to their offices.
No fatalities were reported, but several individuals were treated for minor injuries.
CoolNews Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
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