A dramatic scene unfolded at the Peoples Democratic Party national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, as a staff member attached to the party’s Publicity Department, Thomas Ibu, was reportedly assaulted and arrested by police officers.
The incident added to the tension surrounding the controversial 100th National Executive Committee meeting.
Eyewitnesses at the secretariat described a heavy security presence, with more than 70 armed police officers stationed at the premises as early as 8:30 a.m.
Police trucks barricaded the street leading to the party headquarters, and officers were seen dispersing youths loitering nearby.
Amid the heightened atmosphere, officers apprehended Ibu and resisted attempts by fellow PDP staff to prevent his arrest.
The reason for the arrest had not been officially revealed as of press time.
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The development came as access to the PDP secretariat was restricted. Several staff members were directed to vacate the building, while only a few who arrived later were allowed to stay.
The unrest coincides with an ongoing power tussle over the party’s 100th NEC meeting.
Confusion reigned after two senior PDP officials issued contradictory statements on the eve of the meeting.
Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the Deputy National Chairman (South), maintained that the meeting would hold as planned.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) assures all party members that the 100th NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled tomorrow, Monday, June 30, 2025, at the NEC Hall of the Wadata Plaza,” Arapaja told journalists during a press conference in Abuja.
This declaration contradicted an earlier notice by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had announced a “Special Expanded National Caucus Meeting” in lieu of the NEC session.
According to Anyanwu’s notice, the alternate meeting was to hold at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, with expected attendance from former governors, past gubernatorial candidates, ex-NWC members, state party chairmen, and PDP lawmakers.
Amid the leadership wrangling, some NEC and Board of Trustees members, including Hajia Maina Ciroma, were reportedly barred from entering the secretariat on Monday morning.
The unfolding situation reflects deepening internal cracks within the PDP as its top hierarchy struggles to maintain unity and direction.
