Tension escalated at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, was reportedly escorted out of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall during a press briefing addressed by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

In a video circulating online, agitated voices were heard saying, “Let him out, who is he? This is not your PDP,” as Ortom walked into the hall amidst the increasingly fierce leadership tussle within the opposition party.

The development shows the deepening division between rival factions fighting for control of the PDP.

Naijaonpoint gathered that the incident followed attempts by opposing blocs to hold separate meetings at the PDP’s Wadata Plaza headquarters.

The National Working Committee (NWC) elected in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had both scheduled meetings for the same day.

Members of the pro-Wike faction, led by embattled National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, earlier arrived at the secretariat. However, a fight reportedly broke out shortly after, resulting in their forceful ejection from the premises.

Despite heightened security and rising tension, Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed, alongside newly elected PDP National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, managed to enter the NEC Hall to hold their own session.

The three leaders addressed journalists after the meeting, insisting that those elected at the Ibadan convention remain the legitimate occupants of the party’s leadership positions.

Turaki Accuses Serving Minister Of Using Thugs To Disrupt Party Affairs

National Chairman Turaki condemned the fracas at the secretariat, alleging that a current federal minister had mobilised thugs, with the support of some security operatives, to disrupt lawful party activities.

He described the situation as an assault on democratic norms.

Turaki also made an unusual appeal to the international community, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that Nigeria’s democracy was “under threat”.

The PDP chairman maintained that genuine party loyalists were prepared to defend the mandate given to them at the convention.

Watch the video below: