Armed policemen on Thursday laid siege to the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, creating tension and confusion around the premises. The dramatic development occurred shortly after the party concluded the screening of its presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 general election, sparking fears among party members, supporters, and residents in the area.
Eyewitnesses said heavily armed security operatives stormed the secretariat in several vehicles and positioned themselves around the building, restricting movement in and out of the premises. The presence of armed policemen caused panic among passersby and business owners in the area, many of whom were seen hurriedly leaving the vicinity as uncertainty grew over the situation. Some residents initially feared that the operation could be linked to a security threat or violent confrontation, while others gathered at a distance to observe the unfolding drama.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described the development as a coordinated raid allegedly led by the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed Sanusi Aiyenigba accused the police of disrupting activities at the secretariat and intimidating party officials and members present at the building. According to him, security operatives ordered everyone out of the party headquarters shortly after arriving at the premises. He further alleged that after the building was cleared, the policemen later ushered in the suspended National Chairman of the party, Shehu Gabam.
The SDP spokesman described the action as shocking and politically troubling, particularly at a sensitive period when the party was preparing for the next electoral cycle. He said the party leadership viewed the incident as interference in its internal affairs and called on security agencies to remain neutral in political matters. Party members present during the incident reportedly expressed outrage over the development, insisting that the police had no justification to take over the premises in such a manner.
Some officials claimed that the action disrupted important post-screening consultations involving party stakeholders and aspirants who had participated in the presidential screening exercise. The SDP has, in recent months, witnessed internal disagreements and leadership disputes, with tensions reportedly growing among different factions within the party over control of its structure ahead of the 2027 elections. Political observers believe Thursday’s incident may further deepen divisions within the opposition party at a time it is seeking to strengthen its national presence and attract more political actors ahead of the polls.
The atmosphere around the secretariat remained tense for several hours as security personnel maintained their presence in and around the building. Vehicular movement around parts of Wuse 2 was also affected temporarily as curious residents and supporters gathered near the area to monitor developments. Attempts by some party members to gain access to the secretariat reportedly met resistance from the security operatives stationed at the entrance. As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command had not issued an official statement explaining the reason for the operation or responding to allegations made by SDP officials.
Similarly, there was no immediate reaction from Shehu Gabam regarding claims that he was escorted into the secretariat by police officers after party members had been ordered out of the premises. The development has nonetheless generated fresh debate over the role of security agencies in political disputes and internal party conflicts. Analysts warn that such incidents, if not properly managed, could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general election season.
Observers also noted that the timing of the operation, coming immediately after the screening of presidential aspirants, may fuel speculation about ongoing power struggles within the party. Despite the tension, party officials insisted that the SDP remained committed to its democratic processes and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
Supporters of the party who gathered near the secretariat also called for calm while urging security authorities to avoid actions capable of undermining democratic institutions and political participation in the country.
