The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja was thrown into chaos on Monday as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s secretariat.
The Wike-backed faction appointed Muhammed Abdulrahman as acting chairman, sparking a leadership crisis within the party.
The crisis began when the National Working Committee (NWC) under Umar Damagum suspended Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary, and other officials loyal to Wike.
In response, the Wike faction suspended Damagum and other key officials, naming Abdulrahman as acting chairman.
Abdulrahman vowed to heal the party’s wounds, end factionalism, and reposition the party, saying, “We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members”.
The takeover was marked by a heavy police presence, with at least 10 Hilux vans deployed around the secretariat to prevent clashes between rival factions.
Despite the tension, Abdulrahman took over the secretariat, holding a meeting with supporters.
The Damagum-led faction has vowed to resist the move, setting the stage for a potential court battle or NEC arbitration.
