Wike Loyalists Seizes Control of PDP Headquarters

A fresh wave of tension swept through the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday as the faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The takeover happened shortly before both rival groups scheduled parallel meetings at Wadata Plaza.

The faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed arrived early at the secretariat, which had been locked for weeks. Security operatives from the police, DSS, and NSCDC were already positioned at the gates and around the premises to prevent clashes as both factions laid claim to the same offices.

The Turaki-led executives, elected during the disputed convention in Ibadan, had planned their first meeting for 10 a.m., while the Abdulrahman faction summoned NEC and BoT meetings for later in the day. By the time accreditation began for the NEC session, suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu had taken full control inside the building.

Protesters opposed to the Turaki faction gathered outside with placards calling for his removal, chanting and dancing as they waited for developments. Security patrol vehicles were also stationed along the surrounding roads to manage movement and prevent unrest.

Speaking before the BoT meeting, Anyanwu said the security presence was routine, explaining that the party always invites agencies whenever major meetings are held. He insisted he remains the party’s National Secretary until December 8 and defended the legitimacy of the meetings taking place inside the secretariat.

He dismissed his suspension by the Ibadan group, arguing that no valid convention took place. He said INEC did not supervise the event, no official communication was sent from his office, and many delegates present were not accredited party members.

The standoff at Wadata Plaza deepened the PDP’s internal conflict, leaving the party’s national structure divided as both factions continue to assert authority over the same headquarters.