PDP leadership crisis intensifies as Wike loyalists seize party headquarters, install Abdulrahman as acting chairman amid factional suspensions and legal battles.
The PDP leadership crisis has reached a boiling point as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday took control of Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The group installed Muhammed Abdulrahman as the acting national chairman in a dramatic takeover that has deepened internal divisions and threatened the stability of the main opposition party.
In a strategic move to prevent confrontation and possible violence, the faction led by the embattled acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, stayed away from the secretariat.
Before the arrival of the Wike camp, combined security forces, including heavily armed police officers, had cordoned off the premises to avert a breakdown of law and order.
Despite the heightened tension, the Wike-aligned faction gained access and assumed control without reported violence.
Flanked by loyalists and supporters, Muhammed Abdulrahman addressed journalists at the Federal Capital Territory office of the PDP, declaring that his emergence was necessary to “rebuild and heal” the party.
He explained that the PDP leadership crisis was a product of “actions and inactions” of certain members and leaders who had lost touch with the founding ideals of the party.
“We are all aware of the pitiable state of our great party due to poor leadership decisions. From being Nigeria’s ruling party for sixteen uninterrupted years, the PDP has become a humbled opposition,” Abdulrahman said.
“We have witnessed unexplainable defections of governors, legislators, and council chairmen. I have accepted to serve as Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through God’s mercy and the support of critical stakeholders to reposition our party and restore unity.”
His faction vowed to restore internal democracy, end factional rivalry, and make the PDP a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest PDP leadership crisis was triggered by a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday. Justice James Omotosho restrained the party from holding its planned convention in Ibadan, citing constitutional breaches.
The lawsuit, filed by three PDP officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State Chairman), and Turnah Alabah George (South-South Zonal Secretary) — alleged that the convention preparations violated both the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution.
According to the court, the PDP failed to conduct valid congresses in 14 states before issuing a convention notice, thereby breaching the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines.
Justice Omotosho ordered the suspension of all convention activities pending compliance with internal and national laws.
This ruling not only delayed the convention but also deepened mistrust among top party officials. It became the turning point that exposed competing power blocs — particularly between loyalists of Wike and those of Damagum.
Following the judgment, the Damagum-led faction convened an emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Saturday.
The outcome was a one-month suspension of four key members believed to be aligned with Wike — National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.
Announcing the decision, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the move was made to maintain internal discipline.
“The NWC reviewed the activities of some members and found their conduct amounted to gross indiscipline and contravened the constitution of our great party,” he said.
He also disclosed interim arrangements: Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo was to act as National Secretary, while Director of Legal Services Jacob Otorkpa would temporarily oversee legal matters.
In a swift counterattack, the suspended members loyal to Wike met in Abuja and announced the suspension of Damagum and five other national officers, accusing them of incompetence and mismanagement.
The faction declared that their actions were necessary “to save the party from collapse” and restore integrity to its leadership.
Addressing journalists, Samuel Anyanwu accused Damagum of “financial misconduct, incompetence, and disobedience to court orders.”
He announced the appointment of Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman, with a promise to stabilize the PDP and cleanse it of what he described as “systemic corruption and weak leadership.”
Other officers suspended by the Wike camp for alleged “complicity in anti-party activities and dereliction of duty” included National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo.
Security agencies remain on high alert around Wadata Plaza following Monday’s dramatic takeover.
Police patrol vehicles have been stationed at strategic points around the complex to prevent clashes between rival groups.
Sources within the FCT Police Command confirmed that law enforcement was acting on intelligence reports of possible violent mobilization by both camps.
Despite the tension, Abdulrahman’s team has continued to operate from the secretariat, issuing statements and holding meetings under tight protection.
The group insists that their move was in line with the court ruling and the party’s constitution.
Political analysts warn that the PDP leadership crisis could have lasting implications for the party’s future. The protracted internal rift, they argue, might erode public confidence and weaken the PDP’s position as a credible opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
Dr. Ifeanyi Ojukwu, a political commentator, observed that “the ongoing battle between the Wike and Damagum factions reflects a deeper ideological and structural divide. Unless reconciled quickly, the PDP risks imploding before 2027.”
Calls for reconciliation have been made by elder statesmen and party stakeholders who urge both camps to prioritize unity and constitutional order.
There are also indications that former President Goodluck Jonathan and some founding members may intervene to mediate peace talks in the coming days.
As the PDP leadership crisis rages on, the once-dominant party finds itself at a crossroads. With legal battles, rival suspensions, and factional control of its national headquarters, the PDP’s future hangs in the balance.
The outcome of ongoing negotiations and possible judicial interventions will determine whether the party can regain stability or remain trapped in internal discord that threatens its survival as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
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