A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s secretariat.
The development follows a deepening internal crisis that has split the main opposition party into rival camps.
According to reports, Muhammed Abdulrahman was appointed acting national chairman by the Wike-backed faction, following the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and other officials by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum. In a retaliatory move, the Wike faction suspended Damagum and other key officials, naming Abdulrahman as acting chairman.
Abdulrahman addressed journalists at the PDP’s FCT office, declaring his acceptance of the acting chairmanship role. He vowed to heal the party’s wounds, end factionalism, and reposition the party. “We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members,” he said.
As Abdulrahman’s supporters gathered at the national secretariat, police operatives were deployed to prevent clashes with Damagum’s supporters. The situation remained tense, with at least 10 Hilux vans loaded with police personnel stationed around the premises.
The PDP crisis escalated over the weekend when Damagum’s faction announced the suspension of Anyanwu and other officials. In response, Anyanwu’s camp suspended Damagum and several other top officials, further deepening the party’s leadership crisis.
The takeover has sparked concerns about the party’s future, with some critics accusing Wike of orchestrating the move to gain control of the party. The PDP has struggled to recover from internal fractures since losing power in 2015.
As the situation stands, Abdulrahman’s faction has taken control of the national secretariat, with Damagum’s camp vowing to resist the move. The crisis may ultimately be resolved through court interventions or NEC arbitration.
