Leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Sunday after the Turaki-led faction condemned the unsealing and takeover of the party’s national secretariat, describing the action as “contemptuous” and politically motivated.
In a strongly worded statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group accused the Nigeria Police Force of aiding what it called agents of the federal government and allies of All Progressives Congress (APC) to occupy the party headquarters despite a pending appeal.
*Police Accused of Aiding “Takeover”*
The Turaki-led group said it was aware that the police unsealed the PDP national secretariat and allegedly facilitated its takeover by individuals it described as loyal to Nyesom Wike.
“We are aware that the Nigeria Police Force has unsealed the National Secretariat of our party and aided its takeover and occupation by the agents of the federal government and APC apologists, masquerading as PDP members, despite a pending appeal,” the statement read.
The faction further argued that the police acted in disregard of ongoing legal proceedings, warning that the development could undermine the judicial process.
According to the statement, the judgment being relied upon by the police had already been appealed, and all parties involved were duly notified.
“It is on record that the judgment by Justice Abdulmalik that the police force is allegedly acting under has been appealed, and the police, as a party in that matter, is fully aware and has been served. By their action, they have tampered with the res and that can render the judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory, when it is eventually given.
“It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law,” the statement added.
The Turaki-led faction also expressed disappointment over what it described as partisan conduct by security agencies, despite expectations of neutrality under the current leadership of the police.
“While it is not surprising that the Police is acting in a clearly partisan manner, we were hopeful that they would act differently under the command of the new Inspector General of Police. From the inception of this imbroglio, the officers of the police force have consistently acted in a manner that leaves no one in doubt as to their support for the Wike-backed APC apologists and have continued to double down on their partisan interventions.”
Despite the tension surrounding the secretariat takeover, the group urged party supporters nationwide to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace, while we promise to take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to protect the rights and privileges of the genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
The statement concluded with optimism that the political crisis would soon be resolved and democratic principles restored.
“The public should be assured that we are hopeful that soon this dark cloud of state-sponsored persecution and one-party compulsory drive will end and true democratic experience will return, in the interest of preserving the republic.”
“Though pains may tarry in the night, joy and liberation will certainly come in the morning. Let us therefore bear this night with the hope that surely the morning is en route.”