by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Armed policemen on Monday morning took control of Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, heightening tensions ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for today.
Members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), including Maina Chiroma, were denied entry into the premises by security personnel. The BoT members had planned to hold a meeting at the secretariat prior to the NEC expanded caucus session.
Former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, told Channels Television that the police blocked access to the venue, citing an “order from above.” Officers were stationed at the gate of the NEC hall, effectively preventing BoT members from holding their scheduled meeting.
Frustrated by the development, the BoT members eventually left the premises.
A party official, speaking anonymously to Channels Television, alleged that the police presence was meant to disrupt the planned NEC expanded caucus meeting.
Initially, some PDP staff were allowed into the secretariat without incident, but they were later asked to leave. Journalists covering the event were also ordered to vacate the area.
Additionally, police cordoned off Dalaba Street, the main access road to Wadata Plaza, further restricting movement around the party headquarters.