PDP hails Nigerians for resisting ‘anti-democratic’ attack on party secretariat

…Petitions international community

The newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has commended Nigerians and party members for what it described as overwhelming solidarity in resisting an alleged attempt by “anti-democratic forces” to take over the party’s National Secretariat on Monday.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on Tuesday, 18 November 2025,  the party said the courage shown by Nigerians during the confrontation “further reaffirms the PDP as the party of choice” as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

According to the PDP, Nigerians trooped out to celebrate the arrival of the National Chairman and the Governors of Bauchi and Oyo States, Senator Bala Mohammed and Engineer Seyi Makinde, who accompanied Turaki for the inaugural NWC meeting following the party’s convention in Ibadan.

However, the statement alleged that on arrival at the Secretariat, “compromised” police personnel and thugs, reportedly recruited” by expelled former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and allegedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—also expelled—blocked access to the premises.

The party accused the security personnel of firing tear gas at the governors, NWC members, other party leaders and supporters “without provocation,” causing a stampede and leaving many injured.

“They fired over 200 tear-gas canisters at unarmed citizens who gathered to witness a lawful party meeting,” the statement read.

Despite the confrontation, the PDP said its supporters remained steadfast until the legitimate NWC gained access to the Secretariat.

The party insisted that the incident was “bigger than the PDP,” describing it as an attack on Nigeria’s democratic system and a dangerous signal for the country’s political future.

“This attack on the opposition under the authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu constitutes a direct threat to the survival of our democracy,” the statement said, warning of a creeping return to “weak institutions, compromised security agencies and an overzealous ruling party.”

The PDP has called on the international community, global democratic institutions and individuals to condemn what it described as “a brazen assault on democratic freedom in Nigeria.”

The opposition party also urged security agencies to remain neutral and resist being used as “tools in the hands of oppressors,” emphasising the need for them to focus on combating insecurity rather than interfering in party affairs.

The NWC reaffirmed its resolve to resist any attempt to destabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections and vowed to defend Nigeria’s democracy at all costs.

“Nigeria’s democracy must endure,” the statement concluded.