A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has warned President Bola Tinubu against actions that could trigger a military takeover in Nigeria.

George gave the warning while speaking to journalists on Monday after being blocked by police officers from entering the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

According to reports, security lockdown disrupted the party’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings.

“It’s strikingly annoying. This is our property. Was there any court order to say we will not hold our meeting in our office? What is going on? I was a young man in 1962 when it all started in the South West. We must avoid that madness. What is it? Can’t we sit and talk? What is the essence of democracy?” George said.

The PDP leader referenced the 1962 Western Region crisis, where internal party conflicts led to the declaration of a state of emergency and a federal government takeover of the Western Region—an event that marked the beginning of political instability in the country.

“Nigerians are watching, you came to our office, surrounded by police because we want to have a meeting? You want to turn us to North Korea or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it, Nigerians will not allow it,” he added.

Monday morning saw a heavy police presence at the PDP headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Officers barricaded the entrance and prevented party leaders, staff, and BoT members from accessing the NEC hall.

The PDP later relocated its BoT meeting to an alternative venue.