By Kingston Magare 18.11.2025
Rival factions of the People’s Democratic Party Tuesday clashed at the party’s secretariat in Abuja and newly elected national chairman Taminu Turaki called on the international community to help save Nigeria’s democracy.
Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde was at the secretariat with the secretary of his faction Taofeek Arapaja to take over, but Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike backed national secretary whose tenure expires December 8, 2025, Samuel Anyanwu, refused to leave the secretariat. Also Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, was on ground to make a claim to the PDP headquarters.
There was a chaotic standoff between the security details of the PDP heavyweights. They bombarded themselves with tear gas, eventually, governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed, succeeded in gaining entrance to the secretariat with Turaki in tow.
Speaking to journalists after the fracas Mr. Turaki lamented the events tearing the PDP apart. He accused Wike of mobilising policemen and thugs to create a hostile situation at the party’s headquarters.
“I want to call on President Trump. What is at stake is not just genocide against Nigerian Christians, he should come and save democracy in Nigeria – democracy is under threat.
“I’m calling on all other developed nations, all advanced democracies, come and save Nigeria. Come and save democracy.
“Because I cannot understand how a certain Minister of the Republic of Nigeria will be leading thugs with active connivance and support of the police to come and create mayhem here.
“I have said it, we are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect our democracy to protect our mandate.
“So Nigerians, you are watching what is happening. International community, you are seeing the threat that Nigerian democracy is. Come and save us. Come and save us.”