By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Security operatives on Tuesday sealed off the national headquarters of a major opposition party in Abuja, deepening the internal turmoil that has engulfed the party in recent weeks.
Witnesses said armed police officers arrived early in the morning, barricading all entrances and blocking access to staff, party officials, and supporters.
Barbed wire was deployed across the gates, and several patrol vehicles were positioned around the premises.
The police operation follows heightened tensions over competing claims to the party’s national chairmanship, with factions organizing parallel meetings.
One faction loyal to the suspended national chairman was scheduled to hold an emergency session at the headquarters Tuesday morning, a move strongly opposed by rival groups.
Speaking to journalists outside the sealed office, a senior party leader condemned the action as “a calculated attempt to suppress democratic processes and intimidate the opposition,” alleging that the blockade was carried out without notice or a court order.
“This is unacceptable in a democracy. We cannot allow security institutions funded by taxpayers to be used as instruments of political oppression,” he said.
However, police sources defended the operation, stating that intelligence indicated the likelihood of violent clashes between rival groups if the meeting proceeded.
“Our duty is to maintain peace. We are not taking sides,” a police officer who spoke off record said.
Analysts warn that the escalating crisis could severely undermine the party’s stability ahead of upcoming elections, threatening its national cohesion and bargaining power.
Party members gathered outside the barricaded building vowed to resist what they described as an illegal takeover attempt, insisting the leadership dispute must be resolved internally rather than through force.
As of press time, negotiations were reportedly underway between party representatives and senior police authorities, but access to the headquarters remained restricted. Further developments are expected in the coming hours.
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