November 18, (THEWILL) — Tension escalated within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, forcefully took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja under the protection of heavily armed security operatives.
The group, led by its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, arrived at the secretariat at 9:35 a.m., accompanied by truckloads of armed police personnel, who immediately mounted guard at all entrances and strategic points in and around the building.
The Wike-backed faction had, on Monday, circulated a notice announcing its intention to convene its Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings at the secretariat—an indication of its readiness to assert authority amid the ongoing leadership crisis.
By Tuesday morning, the faction had effectively shut out the rival bloc loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, which elected Kabiru Turaki as National Chairman during its recent national convention in Ibadan.
Turaki, after meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, on Monday, to seek protection for his camp to hold its inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, told journalists that his group was prepared to “defend the party with their lives”.
Despite this declaration, no member of the Turaki-led NWC had shown up at the secretariat as of the time of filing this report, allowing the Wike-backed group to take full control of the premises without resistance.
The takeover marks a significant escalation in the PDP’s internal power struggle, deepening uncertainties over the party’s national leadership and raising concerns about further confrontations in the coming days.
THEWILL reports that the PDP had, on Saturday, expelled Wike, the suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Bature, Mao Ohuabunwa, factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, and Dan Orbih, over alleged anti-party activities.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
