Police deny PDP siege at Abuja headquarters, clarifying presence was for law and order, not a takeover. FCT Command urges accurate media reporting

Police deny PDP siege at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, debunking widespread reports that security operatives had sealed off the Wadata Plaza premises in Wuse Zone 5.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command made the clarification on Monday following a wave of speculation earlier in the day.

In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, the command described the reports as “false and misleading,” stating categorically that the Secretariat was never sealed off at any point.

“At no time was the Secretariat sealed off by the Police,” Adeh said. “The presence of personnel was strictly a preventive measure taken to ensure public peace and maintain law and order.”

The clarification followed a series of online claims that suggested the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party had been taken over by police and other security operatives.

Images shared across social media platforms showed officers stationed near the plaza, fuelling concern about a possible political crackdown.

However, the police insist their actions were entirely in line with routine public safety procedures. According to the command, the officers were deployed to the area to monitor developments and prevent any breach of peace, especially as tensions within the PDP continue to simmer over internal disagreements.

The FCT Commissioner of Police also used the opportunity to caution journalists and media platforms against rushing to publish unverified information, particularly on politically sensitive matters.

“It is vital that media practitioners verify all sensitive information with the Police Public Relations Office before publication,” Adeh added. “The command remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates to the public.”

This is not the first time speculation has surrounded the activities of law enforcement agencies near politically significant locations in the capital. Observers say such developments often stir panic and confusion, especially during periods of political tension.

The PDP has recently been embroiled in a series of internal crises, ranging from leadership disputes to disagreements over zoning and national reconciliation.

These internal conflicts have led to the circulation of various claims and counterclaims, including Monday’s rumour of a security clampdown.

A party official at Wadata Plaza who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed that the Secretariat was not shut down by police. “There was some presence of security men this morning, but we’ve not been locked out. People have been going in and out as usual,” he said.

Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users accusing the opposition party of attempting to dramatise a routine security deployment, while others raised concerns about the increasing use of police resources in politically charged environments.

The incident has once again highlighted the fragile nature of political reporting in Nigeria, where unverified information often spreads rapidly and shapes public opinion before official clarification arrives.

For now, the situation at Wadata Plaza remains calm. Both PDP staff and visitors continued their activities throughout the day, with no indication of disruption or restricted access.

As police deny PDP siege allegations, attention turns back to the party’s internal affairs. Senior figures including Senator Adolphus Wabara, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and Dan Orbih have all made headlines recently over issues of leadership and succession, leaving the party grappling with unity challenges ahead of major electoral contests.

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In the face of the unfolding political drama, the FCT Police Command’s quick response aims to stem misinformation and reassure the public that no unlawful action was taken against the PDP headquarters.