Tensions flared at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday as police officers reportedly manhandled and arrested a staff member, Thomas Ibu, amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the party.
The arrest took place ahead of the party’s much-anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which has been overshadowed by disputes over the position of National Secretary.
A PUNCH correspondent who was present at the PDP headquarters in Wuse Zone 5 observed multiple police officers surround and forcibly detain Ibu, a staffer in the party’s Publicity Department.
The sudden arrest triggered a commotion, as other staff members tried to intervene in protest.
Despite their efforts, the police quickly overpowered them and took Ibu into custody.
As of the time of this report, the reason for his arrest remains unknown.