There is tension as heavily armed security operatives are deployed to Wadata Plaza, the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abuja.

The operatives, comprising personnel of the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), arrived at the secretariat as early as 5 a.m.

Their presence is intended to forestall any breakdown of law and order as rival PDP groups lay claim to offices within the premises.

A group loyal to Nyesom Wike and Samuel Anyanwu, who were said to have been expelled by the party following a resolution at the national convention in Ibadan last weekend, had invited its members to a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting scheduled to hold at the plaza today.

Similarly, the newly elected members of the NWC have also scheduled a meeting at the secretariat for today.

The newly elected NWC, led by Tanimu Turaki as national chairman, had on Monday visited the Garki Command of the Nigeria Police Force to request police protection for the venue during their meeting.

As of the time of filing this report, anti-Turaki protesters were seen at the party secretariat, with women carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go,” dancing to the music provided by a team of drummers.

Interestingly, security personnel, including gun-wielding policemen, simply watched the scene, even as fierce-looking young men took strategic positions opposite the secretariat.

None of the principal officials of either faction were seen at the premises as of the time of this report. (Business Day)