Photo File: PDP flag

Supporters loyal to the Nyesom Wike faction of the Peoples Democratic Party have taken control of the streets surrounding Wadata Plaza, the building that serves as the party’s national headquarters in Wuse Zone Five Abuja.

Made up mostly of women and youth groups, the protesters carried placards bearing messages directed at the National Chairman of the party, Mr Tanimu Turaki SAN. Some of the inscriptions read No to Turaki and Turaki must go.

Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, emerged as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in a disputed convention held on Saturday, which was boycotted by the Wike faction.

Yesterday, both factions announced plans to hold separate executive meetings at the party secretariat today.

This morning, the Wike backed faction arrived at the secretariat as early as nine forty five in the morning. Led by the sacked Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, the group forced its way into the building with the support of a large number of heavily armed police officers.

The security personnel have positioned themselves strategically along the adjoining streets leading to the secretariat and around the plaza itself.

At the time this report was filed, members of the Kabiru led faction had not yet arrived at the party secretariat.