By Abiola Olawale
The internal turmoil rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to escalate, with the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, formally petitioning the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged violent invasion of the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza.
The petition, dated November 3, 2025, accused the recently suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, of allegedly leading a group of armed thugs to forcefully take over the secretariat, aiming to install a factional leadership.
Damagum, in the petition claimed that Anyanwu was allegedly assisted by suspended Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, the National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mohammed Abdulrahman, and armed thugs mobilized by his aides.
The petition also claimed that the intruders were allegedly armed with guns, knives, cutlasses, and sticks, and fired tear gas during the attack.
He also said that some staff and journalists at the Secretariat were reportedly assaulted, with three staff members, Mr. Terna Tergba, Mrs. Cecilia Ukwayi, and Innocent Ezekiel, hospitalized for injuries.
The party criticized the FCT Police Commissioner for failing to intervene promptly, alleging that police officers actively participated in dispersing staff during the attack.
The petition urged the IGP to hold Anyanwu, Abdulrahman, the FCT Minister, and the FCT Police Commissioner accountable for the assault, threats to life, and disruption of lawful party activities.
Damagum described the attack as a serious breach of peace that threatens democratic processes and called for an immediate investigation. The petition reportedly includes photographs and video evidence of the incident.
