Today’s reconciliation meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State was turned into a boxing bout, with chairman of the Integration Committee from Abuja, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, and other members scampering for safety.

Trouble started when the former state chairman of PDP, Mr. Ejike Oguebego, was invited to address the gathering. When he introduced himself as the state chairman, the crowd took over with shouts of no, no, no.

An attempt by the recognised state chairman, Chief Ken Emeakayi, to calm frayed nerves did not go down well with a section of the crowd loyal to Oguebego as they openly reacted with hissing.

Suddenly, the crowded surged in front of the table where Ali and others were seated, pushing the tables and throwing up chairs. The main entrance to the hall was securely locked and people had to run out through the back door.

All efforts by the Ahmadu Ali committee to return sanity between the opposing camps fell on deaf ears and the meeting had to end abruptly.

But for the timely intervention of the large number of security personnel present, the situation could have led to loss of lives. Security personnel guided members of the committee from Abuja headquarters of PDP to safety.

•Photo shows Ahmadu Ali.