The PDP secretariat crisis deepens as rival factions clash over plans to reopen the Abuja headquarters amid court disputes and police seal

Two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party are at odds over plans to reopen the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, intensifying the PDP secretariat crisis that has lingered since November.

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A group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced plans to reopen the headquarters at Wadata Plaza on Monday.

The faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), opposed the move and warned it could trigger violence.

Police sealed the secretariat on November 19, 2025, after a violent clash between the Turaki-led National Working Committee and another group led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who claims to be acting national chairman. The building has remained closed to both sides.

Following a recent meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission and political party leaders, the Wike-backed group said it would return to the secretariat. The faction attended the INEC meeting on the strength of an interim court order.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who claims to be acting national secretary, said the building was locked due to earlier violence and that attempts by the rival faction to reopen it through the courts had failed.

According to Senator Anyanwu, a court dismissed the case filed by the opposing group, clearing the way for his faction to assume control of the office on Monday.

He maintained that there are no factions in the party and that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee currently runs the PDP.

Senator Anyanwu added that a Federal High Court in Ibadan ruled the PDP convention of November 15 and 16, 2025, invalid and directed that no one should present themselves as members of the National Working Committee outside those recognised under the caretaker arrangement.

Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party’s National Publicity Secretary aligned with the caretaker committee, welcomed INEC’s recognition of the group, saying respect for a valid court order would restore stability.

The Wike-backed faction has reportedly begun plans to screen staff at the secretariat and may replace those deemed compromised.

It also announced caretaker committees in Zamfara, Oyo, Bauchi, Yobe, Plateau and Kano, a move that has deepened tensions in several states.

Party sources indicated that two PDP governors are considering alternative political platforms should ongoing legal disputes within the party not favour them.

In response, Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led faction, warned the police against allowing the Wike group access to the building. He said the matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal.

Ini Ememobong described any attempt to occupy the premises before final judgments as self-help and contempt of court, and criticised INEC for recognising the caretaker committee while legal proceedings are ongoing.

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Both factions urged members to remain calm, each expressing confidence that the PDP would overcome its internal turmoil and emerge as a credible opposition party.