ABUJA — Tension lingered Monday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, even as calm prevailed outside the complex, amid disputes over plans to reopen the facility after months of closure. The planned reopening is linked to a faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Rival blocs are now watching to see if security agencies will allow access.
Samuel Anyanwu, acting national secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led PDP caretaker committee, announced that the secretariat would reopen Monday, citing favourable court rulings and the dismissal of attempts by opposing factions to compel police intervention.
However, the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, represented by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, insisted the facility remains under court jurisdiction and warned that any attempt to enter could amount to contempt of court. Farida Umar, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the same faction, rejected the planned reopening, saying the Wike-aligned group had no legal authority to claim the secretariat.
Supporters of the Wike-aligned bloc argue that recent court pronouncements and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) affirm the caretaker committee’s authority to operate from the headquarters. A source within the faction said, “If there were ambiguity about leadership, the police could seal the premises. But the Federal High Court has clarified who constitutes the legitimate management team. The party has the right to occupy its office.”
Security agencies reportedly remain focused on preventing forced entry or confrontation, with police and other authorities maintaining a noticeable presence outside the facility.
Control of the national secretariat is seen as pivotal, determining administrative command, recognition of executives, coordination of party activities, and influence over nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the outcome of this standoff could shape internal alignments and the party’s readiness for the next electoral cycle.
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