Police Move to Prevent Clash at Abuja PDP Secretariat

FCT command deploys personnel as rival factions plan reopening

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced plans to deploy officers to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja to prevent a possible clash between rival factions ahead of the building’s planned reopening.

The move follows rising tensions within the opposition party, with different groups laying claim to the secretariat and signalling intentions to resume activities at the premises. Security sources said intelligence reports indicated the likelihood of confrontation if adequate measures were not put in place.

Confirming the development, the FCT Police Command said the deployment is part of proactive steps to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of party members, staff, and the general public.

“The police will be on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order,” a senior police officer said. “We will not allow any situation that could lead to violence or disruption of public peace.”

The PDP secretariat has been at the centre of internal disputes linked to the party’s leadership crisis, with rival factions issuing conflicting directives on the control and use of the building. Supporters of both sides have, in recent days, mobilised ahead of the proposed reopening, raising concerns over possible violence.

Police authorities warned that any individual or group found attempting to breach the peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law. They also urged party leaders and supporters to embrace dialogue and lawful means in resolving their differences.

Meanwhile, residents and businesses around the Wadata Plaza area, where the secretariat is located, have expressed concern over the situation, calling on security agencies to ensure calm and uninterrupted movement.

The police deployment is expected to remain in place until tensions ease and the situation around the PDP secretariat stabilises.