The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, remained deeply divided on Tuesday as the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took physical control of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
The development heightened existing tensions within the party, which is currently split between rival leadership groups following parallel conventions held over the weekend.
The takeover occurred ahead of a series of conflicting meetings scheduled by the two factions.
The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee, elected at the controversial Ibadan convention, had planned to hold its inaugural meeting with stakeholders at 10 a.m. at the party headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the NWC summoned both an emergency National Executive Committee meeting and a Board of Trustees meeting for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, recognised by his faction as the National Chairman, was already inside the building—previously locked due to the escalating crisis—signaling firm control by his group.
The situation triggered a significant security response, with operatives from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services deployed across the secretariat’s entrances and surrounding streets.
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Patrol vehicles were also stationed along adjoining roads to maintain order as both factions claimed legitimacy.
Suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu had gained access to the premises, where accreditation for the faction’s 103rd NEC meeting was underway.
Anti-Turaki protesters were also present, carrying placards with messages such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go,” accompanied by traditional drummers who heightened the charged atmosphere.
Speaking with journalists, Anyanwu insisted that the heavy security presence was routine during high-level party meetings, noting that invitations had been sent to all security agencies on November 14 ahead of the BoT and NEC gatherings.
He maintained that he remained the legitimate National Secretary until December 8 and dismissed the Ibadan convention as invalid.
Anyanwu argued that no lawful convention took place since the Independent National Electoral Commission did not monitor or supervise the event, as required by law.
He further claimed that more than two-thirds of state delegates were absent, alleging that individuals “picked from the roadside” were given party uniforms to fill state delegations.
He stressed that any attempt by the Turaki group to disrupt their ongoing meetings would amount to intrusion, asserting that factions were free to meet elsewhere but could not interrupt proceedings already underway at the secretariat.
NAN
