November 03, (THEWILL) — A major leadership crisis engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, as rival factions clashed at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, with each group laying claim to the leadership of the opposition party.
The drama unfolded when protesters loyal to the Deputy National Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the secretariat, demanding the immediate exit of the National Working Committee (NWC), led by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters accused the Damagum-led NWC of “poor leadership, mismanagement and anti-party activities”.
Security operatives were deployed to maintain order as tensions escalated outside the complex. The protesters insisted that Abdulrahman, who they recognised as acting chairman, must be allowed to assume full control of the party’s administrative machinery.
Last week, the PDP suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month, citing anti-party activities; a move that triggered the new wave of confrontation. In retaliation, a faction loyal to Anyanwu and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of Damagum and members of the NWC.
The Wike-aligned camp had also secured a court order halting the planned national convention of the party scheduled for Ibadan on 15th and 16th November, 2025.
Despite the heightened tension, Abdulrahman’s loyalists successfully gained access to the national chairman’s office, insisting they now occupy the legitimate seat of power. They vowed not to vacate until the party “returns to proper leadership”.
Speaking at the secretariat, Mohammed declared himself Acting National Chairman, saying the takeover was backed by critical stakeholders, who were determined to rescue the PDP from “personalised leadership and internal decay”.
“We are ready to work in the interest of our dear party. By the mercy of God and through the instrumentality of critical stakeholders, I have assumed responsibility. No individual or group will be allowed to hold the PDP hostage”, he told journalists.
Addressing party members earlier at the PDP’s office in Wuse, Abuja, Mohammed lamented the party’s decline since 2015, accusing unnamed leaders of running the PDP “as a private estate”, resulting in mass defections of governors, lawmakers and influential figures.
He pledged to restore internal democracy, rebuild structures and convene an all-inclusive national convention. According to him, outstanding congresses across states, councils and wards would also be completed without delay.
Mohammed stressed that the party would tolerate neither impunity nor selfish political interests going forward, urging members nationwide to unite behind the rescue mission to revive the PDP ahead of 2027.
He also revealed plans to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting soon to ratify decisions and stabilise the party’s administrative direction.
“We cannot do this alone. We need prayers, unity and collective sacrifice”, he appealed.
However, the Damagum-led NWC insists the attempted takeover is illegal, warning that only a duly convened national convention can effect leadership change. In a statement, the committee described the move as “a political coup” that violates the party’s constitution and threatens institutional order.
As at press time, security remained tight around the secretariat.
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