The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Saturday as the faction loyal to Kabiru Turaki criticised the Nigeria Police Force for reopening the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and allowing a rival camp access to the facility.
The police had earlier unsealed the PDP headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, alongside Legacy House in Maitama, and reportedly handed both properties to a group led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, believed to be aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a swift reaction, the spokesperson for the Turaki-led group, Ini Ememobong, described the move as biased, insisting that the dispute over the party’s leadership is still pending before the court.
He maintained that the police should have refrained from taking actions that could influence the outcome of an ongoing legal battle.
“The ruling being relied upon by the police, delivered by Justice Abdulmalik, is already under appeal, and the police are fully aware as a party to the matter,” he said.
“By proceeding in this manner, they have interfered with the substance of the case, which could jeopardise whatever decision the Court of Appeal may eventually reach. It is troubling that an institution meant to enforce the law is acting in a way that contradicts it.”
Ememobong further accused the police of consistently taking sides since the internal wrangling began, adding that expectations of neutrality under the current Inspector-General of Police had been dashed.
“While this conduct may not be entirely surprising, we had expected a more balanced approach under the present leadership of the police. Unfortunately, their actions from the beginning of this crisis have pointed to clear support for the Wike-backed faction,” he stated.
He appealed to supporters of the faction to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt public peace, noting that the group would continue to seek redress through lawful means.
“We urge our members to stay peaceful and law-abiding while we take necessary legal steps to safeguard the rights and privileges of genuine party faithful,” he added.
Despite the lingering tension, Ememobong expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved, stressing that democratic values would ultimately prevail.
He said, “We are confident that this challenging phase will pass, and justice will take its course. In the end, fairness and the rule of law will be restored for the benefit of democracy.”
