PDP Chairman, Turaki Makes Appeal To Trump Over Party’s Crisis

18 Nov 2025, 12:36 by Enioluwa Adeniyi · Naija News

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, on Tuesday raised a dramatic alarm over the escalating crisis within the opposition party, calling on United States President Donald Trump and the international community to intervene in Nigeria’s political situation.

Speaking to journalists shortly before his faction attempted to convene a National Executive Committee meeting at the Wadata Plaza headquarters, Turaki accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of mobilising “armed thugs” allegedly backed by police officers to disrupt party processes.

Turaki said, “I want to call on President Trump; what is at stake is not just genocide against Christians. He should come and save democracy in Nigeria. Democracy is under threat.

“I am calling all other developed nations, all advanced democracies, come and save Nigeria.”

Turaki insisted that PDP leaders under his faction were prepared to pay the “ultimate price” to defend the party’s mandate and Nigeria’s democratic values.

“I have said it: we are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect democracy and to protect our mandate,” he declared.

His remarks came minutes before chaos erupted at the party headquarters.

The crisis intensified as two rival factions, the newly constituted National Working Committee loyal to Turaki and the group aligned with Wike, scheduled parallel meetings at the same venue.

The National Secretary of the Wike-backed bloc, Samuel Anyanwu, arrived earlier in the day with supporters to convene a separate Board of Trustees and NEC meeting, heightening tensions at the secretariat.

Verbal confrontations quickly degenerated into shoving matches as both factions attempted to take control of the compound.

Police Fire Teargas As Disorder Spreads

Security operatives stationed at the scene struggled to contain the surging crowd. Officers eventually ordered everyone to vacate the premises, but the confrontation escalated further.

The situation deteriorated when police fired teargas canisters to disperse the agitated supporters. Party members, journalists and staff fled in confusion, many coughing and shielding their faces as smoke engulfed the area.

Outside the compound, pockets of clashes continued, with supporters from both camps wielding sticks and engaging in heated brawls.

The internal conflict, which has deepened ahead of crucial party decisions, remains unresolved, as both factions continue to assert control of the party’s national leadership and secretariat.