The fierce battle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) erupted into open confrontation on Monday as loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, stormed and seized control of the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja — in what observers described as a coup within the opposition party.
In a stunning twist, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by National Chairman Umar Damagum, known to enjoy the backing of PDP governors, were nowhere near the secretariat when the Wike-backed faction took over the premises amid chaos and police intervention.
By mid-morning, confusion reigned as the faction, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared himself Acting National Chairman, effectively ousting Damagum and his loyalists from the party’s nerve centre.
Governors Plot Counterattack
A top PDP insider hinted that the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and supported by Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde, were already mobilising to reclaim the party structure from Wike’s camp.
“This is a serious situation, but the governors will do everything to reclaim the party from those who don’t mean well for it,” the source said.
Police Seal Off Secretariat After Violent Clash
Moments after Wike’s men stormed the complex, pandemonium broke out, leaving at least two party staff injured before security operatives swiftly sealed off the building to prevent further violence.
Inside the secretariat, Mohammed — surrounded by loyalists, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and several state chairmen — read a fiery address titled “A New Dawn.”
“Our party has fallen from 16 years of uninterrupted rule to a humbled opposition,” he lamented.
“I have accepted to lead at this difficult time to heal our wounds and end factionalisation. We must return the PDP to its true owners — the Nigerian people.”
Court Ruling Sparks Chain Reaction
The dramatic takeover came barely days after the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the party’s planned November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan, citing constitutional breaches.
Justice James Omotosho’s ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, filed by three aggrieved members, effectively deepened the internal war — splitting the NWC into two rival camps.
Suspensions Fly Across Factions
Over the weekend, both camps engaged in a suspension war — each expelling top officers over alleged “anti-party activities” and “financial mismanagement.”
While Damagum’s group suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and three others, the Mohammed-led faction hit back by suspending Damagum, National Deputy Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and others.
Bode George Blames Wike, Slams Court
PDP chieftain and former BoT Chairman Chief Bode George condemned the takeover, accusing Wike of fuelling the chaos to serve external interests.
He also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe Justice Omotosho, alleging judicial overreach.
“The NJC should remove his wig so he can join partisan politics,” George fumed. “The Supreme Court has ruled that party matters must be resolved internally. What is his business with our convention?”
Wike, Damagum Stay Silent
Repeated efforts to reach Wike’s loyalists, Damagum, and PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba proved futile as calls and messages went unanswered.
Meanwhile, National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadade, reacting from abroad, said in a terse WhatsApp message:
“If I were around today, this madness wouldn’t have happened.”
The Road Ahead
With Wadata Plaza under police seal and the PDP split into two bitter factions, the once-mighty opposition party appears trapped in a power war with no clear victor yet in sight — as the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins.e unsuccessful as they did not respond to messages. Calls and texts to Damagum and PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, were also ignored.
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