The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has firmly stated its intention to thwart the proposed takeover of its National Headquarters by supporters aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Turaki faction described the Wike-led group as aggressors and declared that they should be held responsible for any disturbances of the peace.
On Thursday, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Secretary of the faction, announced at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office their plan to assume control of the office on Monday.
The discord at the PDP headquarters initially erupted in November when opposing factions clashed violently.
Subsequently, police enforced a barricade around the office to prevent either faction from accessing the premises, as both had threats to force their way in.
However, addressing media representatives at the INEC headquarters on Thursday, Anyanwu reiterated their intentions.
He remarked, “We communicated with the police. Recall that the police sealed off the location and the opposing group sought a court order to have it reopened. Their request was dismissed due to lack of standing. Therefore, we are taking over the office on Monday.”
In response, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of Turaki's leadership, commented on the situation. He indicated that they had been made aware of intentions from “some expelled members” of the party who are seeking, whether by force or through cooperation with security forces, to gain access to the National Secretariat.
Ememobong further mentioned that they had reached out to both the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, reminding them that the secretariat remains embroiled in ongoing cases before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal.
He asserted, “Any attempt to enter and occupy the premises would amount to taking the law into one's own hands and would violate the established legal principle that parties engaged in court proceedings should avoid actions that could undermine the judicial process.”
He clarified that the case currently before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was initiated by the expelled members, hence, they cannot act unilaterally until a verdict is reached.
The leadership under Turaki further cautioned that this statement serves to remind all involved parties, particularly the police, that any efforts to grant access during the ongoing legal proceedings could lead to contempt of court.
“We assure that we will utilize all legal avenues to protect our property from any unauthorized entry. Any resultant harm to individuals or damage to property will be solely the responsibility of the aggressors and their security allies,” he added.
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