The newly elected National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ini Ememobong, has criticised the police for firing tear gas canisters directly at party officials and journalists during a confrontation at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking on a television programme, Ememobong said the party had expected some form of resistance ahead of its inaugural National Working Committee meeting but had been assured of police protection after a lengthy meeting with the Commissioner of Police the previous day.
He explained that members of the newly elected executives travelled from Ibadan and other parts of the country to attend the meeting.
Ememobong also defended the PDP chairman’s controversial call for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political situation, arguing that foreign influence has historically shaped the country’s democratic journey.
According to him, Western nations played critical roles in Nigeria’s democratic development and promoted democracy as a system that would protect human rights, entrench norms, and strengthen the economy.
Addressing concerns about why the party proceeded despite anticipating confrontation, he said backing down would amount to ceding democratic space to individuals “who profit from chaos.”
He accused police officers of firing tear gas directly at elderly party members, including those with asthma, hypertension, and other health issues. He added that several people were injured during the incident.
Ememobong argued that the confrontation took place close enough to the seat of power that it was unlikely President Bola Tinubu was unaware. He warned that the country was gradually drifting toward “electoral authoritarianism” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP continues to face an internal leadership crisis, and earlier in the day, police officers dispersed members attempting to hold the inaugural meeting of the new National Working Committee.
In response, the All Progressives Congress criticised Turaki for what it described as an irresponsible and unpatriotic call for foreign intervention in Nigeria’s political affairs.
