Supporters of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike have physically taken control of the party’s national secretariat located at Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, effectively blocking access to the rival faction.
Hundreds of demonstrators, mostly women and youths aligned with the Wike group, converged on the secretariat as early as 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, brandishing placards denouncing the newly installed National Chairman, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
Messages on the placards included “Turaki Must Go,” “No to Imposition,” and “PDP Belongs to All, Not Cabals.”
The protest comes two days after a controversial national convention held on Saturday in which Turaki emerged as chairman.
The Wike-backed faction boycotted that convention, describing it as illegal and manipulated.
Heavy security presence, including armed police officers and personnel from other agencies, was observed around the secretariat and adjoining streets.
The officers maintained strategic positions to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Wike faction, led by the embattled Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum (who was recently removed by a court order but still recognised by the Wike group), gained entry into the building and commenced what they described as the legitimate National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
As at the time of this report, no member of the faction loyal to the new National Chairman, Ambassador Turaki, or the group led by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other anti-Wike governors had arrived at the secretariat.
The PDP has been plunged into a fresh leadership crisis following rival court orders and parallel organs set up by the two major factions.
Tuesday’s development marks the first time since the crisis escalated that one faction has physically prevented the other from accessing the national headquarters.
Party stakeholders have expressed concern that the deepening division could further weaken the main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general election.
