By Sandra Ugwu 

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday as loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, forcefully took control of the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Members of the Wike-backed faction, led by the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, assumed control in the absence of the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), which has the backing of PDP governors.

The takeover led to chaos within the secretariat, with reports of staff assaults before police intervened to seal off the premises.

Addressing journalists, Mohammed declared himself Acting National Chairman, promising to “heal the party of its wounds and end factionalisation.” He pledged to reposition the PDP, organise an all-inclusive convention, and “return the party to its true owners - the Nigerian people.”

The crisis, which has split the opposition party into two factions, worsened following a court order halting the party’s national convention earlier scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention pending compliance with its constitution and the Electoral Act.

The ruling, obtained by three aggrieved members - Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South), triggered further division between the Damagum and Mohammed factions.

Over the weekend, both sides announced mutual suspensions of key officers, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, each accusing the other of anti-party activities and financial misconduct.

Following Monday’s power struggle, PDP elder statesman Chief Bode George condemned Justice Omotosho’s ruling, urging the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the judge for interfering in party affairs. He also accused Wike of instigating the crisis, saying, “He is working for President Tinubu but should let the PDP be.”

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside other PDP governors, is reportedly leading efforts to reclaim control of the party from Wike’s camp.

Security operatives maintained a heavy presence at the secretariat as both factions traded claims to the party’s leadership. By noon, the police had sealed off the complex to prevent further clashes.

As the crisis deepens, analysts warn that the PDP risks further disintegration ahead of the 2027 general elections, unless reconciliation efforts are urgently pursued.

- AnchorNews