Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were left fuming on Monday after security operatives reportedly ac...
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were left fuming on Monday after security operatives reportedly acting on "orders from above" blocked access to the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The action forced the relocation of a crucial Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP BoT, condemned the blockade, calling it “an affront to the PDP and the democratic process.”
“This morning, I nearly stepped out of my car when I witnessed the treatment of some individuals. I told my driver, ‘No, move,’ as it was deeply embarrassing,” Wabara said.
“However, I urge everyone to remain patient. We must not allow this provocation to distract us from our mission to rebuild and strengthen our party.”
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, BoT Secretary, also decried the move and recounted how he and other party leaders had arrived for a pre-meeting involving governors and National Assembly members at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge.
“I arrived at 10:00 AM at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge as instructed. The meeting involved the Governors, the National Working Committee, and the National Assembly minority leadership. Its purpose was to bridge gaps within the party and ensure unity ahead of the NEC meeting,” Makarfi stated.
“The governors were visibly upset and questioned why such an embarrassment had occurred. By then, the Chairman had already made alternative arrangements.”
Makarfi also warned of the broader implications of such interference.
“This kind of interference is unacceptable. It undermines our democracy and the rights of opposition parties to operate freely. We remain committed to resolving our internal issues and presenting a strong, united front to the Nigerian people.”
Despite the obstruction, the BoT meeting went ahead at the Yar’Adua Centre under tight security, although the press was later asked to vacate the premises for privacy.
Wabara clarified:
“Let me emphasise that this is a particularly special BoT meeting. I want it on record that it remains our 80th BoT meeting. We will proceed accordingly so that, in the future, when questions arise, people will understand the extraordinary circumstances under which it was held.”
He added that there would be no communiqué issued after the meeting.
“I kindly ask the press to begin moving downstairs, as there will be no communiqué issued after this meeting. Please clear the house.”
The incident has fueled accusations of political sabotage and heightened tensions within the PDP, coming just hours ahead of the party’s much-anticipated 100th NEC meeting, amid an ongoing leadership crisis and factional strife.
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