The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Saturday as the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja following its reopening by the police.
The party has remained embroiled in a prolonged leadership dispute that intensified after a breakdown of order at its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on November 18, 2025. The crisis has since split the party’s National Working Committee into rival camps, one led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed aligned with the Wike camp.
The dispute deepened after the Court of Appeal, on March 9, ruled in favour of the Wike-backed faction and invalidated the November 16 Ibadan convention endorsed by the governor-backed group. Months after the ruling, the Mohammed-led faction announced that the Nigeria Police Force had unsealed both Wadata Plaza and the Legacy House national offices in Abuja and handed them over in compliance with court orders.
In a statement issued through its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the faction said the police acted in line with judicial directives, adding that the development marked the restoration of order at the party’s national secretariat. It also commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as professionalism and adherence to due process.
The faction further warned against any attempt to disrupt activities at the secretariat, stating that security agencies had been alerted to prevent any breach of peace. It urged aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation, insisting that recent developments signaled the resolution of internal tensions within the party.
The group also praised Wike for his role during the crisis, describing his leadership and support as instrumental to the process that led to the reopening of the secretariat.
However, the Turaki-led faction rejected the takeover, accusing national institutions of acting in a partisan manner. Speaking in an interview with Punch, spokesperson Ini Ememobong argued that reliance on a court judgment already under appeal amounted to a disregard for due process, alleging bias in the handling of the dispute. He maintained that his faction remained committed to peace despite the developments.
In a separate statement, the Turaki-led group condemned the police action, describing it as partisan interference and a violation of due process. It argued that the judgment being relied upon had been appealed and insisted that the police were fully aware of the legal status of the case.
The faction also expressed disappointment over the conduct of security agencies, saying it had expected greater neutrality under the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. Despite its objections, it urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while pursuing legal remedies.
The governor-backed faction, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the dispute would eventually be resolved in its favour, calling for patience among supporters and expressing confidence that the party would overcome its internal challenges.
