Men of the Nigerian Police Force numbering about 100 Thursday took over the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the swearing in of newly appointed members of the National Working Committee (NWC) scheduled for 1pm today.
The police had in the early hours of Thursday barricaded Blantyre street Wuse 2, Abuja, where the party secretariat is located, preventing motorists plying the road.
The announcement of the new NWC members Wednesday had created disaffection within the party.
Also, protesters have stormed the party secretariat to protest against some of the newly elected members of the NWC.
The ruling party had on Wednesday announced Hon. Duro Meseko (Kogi State) as deputy national publicity secretary (North Central Zone) to replace Yakubu Ajaka, just as Ikani Shuaibu Okolo (Kogi State) takes the position of zonal organizing secretary (North Central).
However, the announcement made saw the candidate of Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello lost to the candidate of Hon James Faleke for the position of the deputy national publicity secretary.
TheHintsNews reports that Bello kicked against the choice of Meseko and had been fighting tooth and nail to ensure that he was replaced with his candidate.
Checks revealed that Bello tried all he could on Wednesday to convince the National Chairman of the party, DR. Abdulahi Ganduje to drop Meseko’s name, but all to no avail.
Against this background, Bello arrived at the secretariat at about 10.am Thursday to see Ganduje who is not in seat till now.
His presence is believed to have contributed to heightening the tension around the secretariat.
Also, the announcement for Abia, Kogi and Cross River generated controversy shortly after as party’s leaders and chieftains like the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Beta Edu, who had earlier recommended Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, allegedly lost to the candidate of Adams Oshiomhole.
The party announced Mary Alile Idele, from Edo State as National Women Leader (South South Zone.
Shortly after the announcement, the former woman leader, Edu, stormed the national secretariat around 6.20pm to protest the dropping of her candidate who had already practically resumed office and left around 45 minutes later.
For Abia State, it was equally alleged that the candidates recommended by both the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and the State Chairman, Ikechi Emenike both lost to the candidate of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
As stands, it remains to be seen of the inauguration of new members will still take place today (Thursday).