Tension in PDP: Armed Police Barricade Party Headquarters to Halt NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting in Abuja

Heavy police presence engulfed the Wadata Plaza headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday, July 1, 2025, as security operatives forcefully took over the premises to block a scheduled Expanded Caucus Meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The tension underscores deepening internal cracks within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Multiple sources within the PDP confirmed that the police were deployed to specifically halt the meeting, which was expected to deliberate on pressing internal leadership issues and strategize ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move has triggered accusations of state interference and a clampdown on democratic processes.

Drama unfolded early in the day when Maina Chiroma, a respected member of the party’s Board of Trustees, was denied access to the complex by armed officers stationed at all entry points. Moments later, journalists and staff who had earlier gained entrance were ejected, and the building was fully sealed off.

Officers were also seen cordoning off Dalaba Street, which leads to the PDP secretariat, effectively paralyzing movement around the area. Eyewitnesses say the security operation began as early as 6:30 a.m., with patrol vans and riot control units strategically positioned along adjoining streets.

Party insiders allege that the move may be linked to power blocs within the PDP seeking to frustrate certain internal alignments ahead of potential leadership reshuffles. The NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting, according to invitations circulated among high-ranking members, was expected to address lingering disputes surrounding the National Chairman’s position.

This is not the first time the PDP is grappling with state-linked obstruction. In 2022, a similar standoff occurred when security operatives disrupted an emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. Monday’s event further fuels allegations that the opposition is being deliberately weakened by forces outside the party structure.

As of press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the PDP National Publicity Secretary had issued an official statement on the development, but the party’s internal crisis appears far from over as power tussles deepen in the buildup to the next election cycle.