The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following what it described as a violent invasion of its National Secretariat in Abuja by thugs allegedly mobilised by its suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, with the backing of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police.
In a petition dated Monday, November 3, 2025, and signed by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the party accused Anyanwu and two other suspended officials, the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, and the National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, of forcefully taking control of the Wadata Plaza headquarters with the support of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The party said the incident took place barely days after the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of Anyanwu, Osuoha, National Organising Secretary Hon Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Barr Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged anti-party activities.
According to the petition, Anyanwu "violently invaded the National Secretariat with thugs mobilised by his aides, Arthur Bruno, Emmanuel Okoronkwo, and one Chidiebere Egwu, who brandished dangerous weapons including guns, knives, cutlasses, and sticks."
The PDP alleged that the group broke into offices, fired tear gas, injured staff, assaulted journalists, and disrupted operations at the secretariat.
"A female staff member who could not withstand the teargas suffocated and was later resuscitated," the document stated.
It further alleged that the attackers "forcefully broke into the office of the National Chairman and attempted to install Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting National Chairman."
Three staff members, Mr Terna Tergba, Mrs Cecilia Ukwayi, and Mr Innocent Ezekiel, were said to be hospitalised following injuries sustained during the incident.
"The armed thugs, led by Emmanuel Okoronkwo and accompanied by armed police officers, went round the offices of NWC members, assaulting those present," the party added, claiming the attackers "boasted of having the backing of the FCT Minister."
The PDP also accused the FCT Commissioner of Police of unprofessional conduct, questioning the deployment of officers to a political party’s secretariat "without notifying the National Chairman."
"Why would the police teargas staff performing their legitimate duties in their offices? What role did the FCT Minister play in deploying the Commissioner of Police to assault and intimidate party workers?" the petition queried.
The opposition party called on the IGP to hold the FCT Minister, the Commissioner of Police, Senator Anyanwu, and Abdulrahman Mohammed responsible for what it described as a "breach of peace, threat to life, and assault on innocent citizens."
"The PDP considers this an unwarranted assault on the opposition and a grave threat to democracy in Nigeria," the petition read, adding that the party had "video and photographic evidence" to support its claims.
While commending the IGP for his "commitment to national security," the PDP urged him to order an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
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