A fresh power struggle erupted in the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday when allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, seized the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja while party governors and their loyalists were absent.
Members of the National Working Committee loyal to National Chairman Umar Damagum—who enjoys the backing of PDP governors—stayed away as the Wike-supported camp took charge. With Damagum seemingly sidelined, it remained unclear how the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, would respond.
A senior party figure, speaking anonymously, said governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and others were determined to wrest control back from Wike’s faction.
The forceful takeover triggered chaos inside Wadata Plaza, with some staff assaulted, prompting police to move in and seal the premises to prevent further disorder.
Wike-backed Abdulrahman Mohammed, who assumed office as Acting National Chairman, urged party members to avoid blame games and focus on restoring unity. He pledged to reorganise the party, ensure compliance with the PDP constitution, and oversee an inclusive convention before handing over to an elected NWC.
The PDP, despite planning a National Elective Convention for November 15–16 in Ibadan, remains sharply divided. Wike’s supporters have repeatedly opposed Damagum’s leadership, citing unresolved disputes over South-South structures and micro-zoning arrangements. Tensions further escalated when a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the upcoming convention.
The interim order, issued by Justice James Omotosho in a suit filed by three aggrieved party members, restrained the PDP from proceeding until it complies fully with relevant constitutional provisions.
The ruling deepened factional lines: one bloc loyal to Damagum and another aligned with Abdulrahman Mohammed.
Over the weekend, the crisis intensified through suspensions issued by both camps, each accusing the other of anti-party activities, financial mismanagement, and incompetence.
On Monday morning, the Wike-aligned faction gathered at the PDP’s FCT office and later moved toward the national secretariat, where heightened security awaited them. A scuffle broke out when some staff attempted to remove suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu from his office, leaving two workers injured.
Shortly afterward, Mohammed and his supporters entered the complex and declared themselves in control. He called for unity, urging members to put the conflicts behind them and work toward rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Police later evacuated everyone and sealed off the building.
Meanwhile, PDP elder statesman Chief Bode George called on the National Judicial Council to investigate Justice Omotosho over the convention suspension ruling, accusing him of worsening the party’s internal crisis.
He also blamed Wike for fueling tensions, alleging that the minister was working toward securing victory for President Tinubu in 2027.
PDP National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadade, reacting to the day’s events, suggested the crisis unfolded due to his absence and challenged those behind it to “try it again.”
Efforts to reach Wike’s allies, Damagum, and PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba were unsuccessful.
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