A heavy security presence was observed at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, as party leaders issued counter notices for the partys 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The two factions of the partys National Working Committee (NWC) had arranged for separate meetings at the PDP secretariat, sparking tension and confusion.
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrived at the partys national headquarters with their trucks and barricaded the roads leading to the entrance of the secretariat.
*BoT members denied access*
The security personnel also chased away suspected thugs who had earlier arrived at the secretariat, while members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) who came to the secretariat were also denied access to the building.
Some of the BoT members denied entrance into the premises of the PDP secretariat included Maina Chiroma and Chief Bode George.
A former National Secretary of the party, Mr. Umar Tsauri, who was also one of the party leaders denied access to the secretariat, said that the security operatives claimed that they were acting in accordance with order from above.
*This madness must stop Bode Gorge
PDP Chieftain, Bode George George, a BoT member, described the development as madness that must be avoided.
What then is the essence of democracy? You came to our office, surrounded by police because you want to have a meeting? You want to turn us to North Korea? Or turn this country to Russia?
We will not allow it. Nigerians will not allow it, he said.
*Alternative Meeting Venue*
The BoT meeting earlier scheduled for 10 a.m. at the partys secretariat has been moved to YarAdua Centre.
The development has sparked concerns about the internal conflicts within the PDP and the role of security agencies in party affairs.
(With additional report from NAN)
