26th February, 2015
Nigeria’s political rivalry hit new heights following a clash between supporters of Nigeria’s leading political parties in London today.
The protesters believed to be supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, besieged Chatham House while General Muhammadu Buhari was delivering his lecture with various placards.
While supporters of PDP brandished placards that read: “Buhari Belongs to the past: The past can’t belong to the future of our children”, “A dictator hiding behind another pastor cannot be a democrat”, and “Nigeria will not return to the past”, supporters of APC displayed a placard that read: “Buhari/Osinbajo: Real Change Has Come”.
An amorphous group called the Civil Society and Support Groups-Diaspora coordinated the protest against Buhari after an alleged mobilisation fee of $20,000 was paid.
The growing support being enjoyed by Buhari from the international community and global leaders was identified as the driving force behind the move for the protest staged to embarrass Buhari while he delivers his lecture.
Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State Governor, who has been sponsoring series of hate and death wish advertorials against Buhari has been accused as a major financier of the latest protest.
Tension between the two camps were however calmed by officers of the Metropolitan police who patrolled the area.