By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday relocated its scheduled Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting from the Wadata Plaza National Secretariat to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The party attributed the move to the presence of heavily armed police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who reportedly barred members from accessing the premises.
In a statement shared on its verified social media account, the PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using security agencies to disrupt its internal processes.
The party claimed its BoT members and staff were harassed, calling the development a clear case of political intimidation.
Police Deny Sealing Party Secretariat
The FCT Police Command denied claims that it sealed off the PDP headquarters. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh clarified that officers were deployed only to maintain law and order, stressing that the secretariat remained accessible.
“At no time was the secretariat sealed off by the police,” she said in an official statement.
Bode George Condemns Disruption
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South West), Chief Bode George, who was denied access to the venue, condemned the incident.
Addressing reporters, he described the act as undemocratic and likened it to repression seen under authoritarian regimes.
“Do you want to turn us into North Korea? Or transform this country into Russia? We will not allow it,” he said.
The BoT meeting was called to address internal party issues, including the disputed return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and the uncertainty surrounding the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Party elders had hoped to use the meeting to calm growing tensions within the party ranks.
Security Agencies Cite Conflicting Notices
Chief George said security agents at the scene cited conflicting directives as their reason for restricting access.
He dismissed their explanation, suggesting that the action was politically motivated. “This is the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau,” he said, urging the government to avoid worsening the PDP’s internal conflict.
George urged the federal government to prioritise Nigeria’s worsening economic and infrastructural challenges instead of interfering in opposition affairs.
“We have more pressing problems—economic, financial, educational, and infrastructural. They should focus on those,” he said.
Meeting Holds Despite Disruption
Despite the early disruption, the PDP successfully convened its BoT meeting at the Yar’Adua Centre. However, the incident has triggered renewed concerns over the shrinking space for opposition activity and freedom of political association in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
The FCT Police Command has called on media outlets to verify sensitive information through official police channels to avoid spreading misinformation.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.