Tensions are mounting at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an unusual security presence was observed early Monday ahead of the party’s highly anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The development has sparked fresh speculations of a possible plot to disrupt or halt the crucial gathering.
Multiple sources confirmed that heavily armed security operatives, including anti-riot police units and plain-clothed officers, were stationed around the Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja in what many observers described as a calculated show of force. This comes amid swirling rumors of internal power play and attempts by certain elements within or outside the party to block the meeting from holding.
The NEC meeting, which was initially proposed by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), has become a flashpoint in the party’s ongoing leadership tussle. While the NWC reportedly suggested converting the NEC meeting into a more restricted caucus session, members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) have insisted that the NEC must hold in its original form, arguing that critical decisions on the party’s future cannot be sidelined.
A source close to the BoT who spoke under anonymity said, “There are concerns that some powerful figures are bent on truncating this NEC meeting because they fear that major decisions, including leadership reshuffling and disciplinary actions, may be taken. But the BoT is resolute, the meeting must go on.”
Party members arriving at the secretariat were visibly unsettled by the overwhelming security deployment, raising fears that the standoff could escalate into a full-blown crisis if not swiftly addressed. Some party stakeholders described the move as “undemocratic” and “a violation of internal party processes.”
“This is not a military coup. We are politicians, and there is a way things are done in politics. If there are disagreements, they should be resolved through dialogue, not intimidation,” said a former PDP state chairman who was turned back at the gate due to security restrictions.
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The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been grappling with internal divisions since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, with various factions jostling for control of its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 polls.
As the situation unfolds, many are now watching to see whether the NEC meeting will proceed as planned or if further pressure will lead to its postponement or cancellation. Either outcome could significantly shape the future direction of the party and its capacity to present a united front in coming political contests.
Neither the PDP NWC nor the Nigeria Police has issued an official statement as of press time. However, political analysts warn that any move to suppress internal democracy within the party may deepen the existing cracks and alienate loyal members who feel their voices are being silenced.
With the PDP standing at a critical crossroads, the outcome of today’s events may well determine whether the party emerges stronger or slides further into disarray.
