Supporters of the Nyesom Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday flooded the streets surrounding Wadata Plaza, the party’s national headquarters in Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja, in the latest escalation of the party’s internal crisis.
The demonstrators, primarily women and youth groups, arrived early in the morning carrying placards bearing messages aimed squarely at the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, SAN. Some of the inscriptions read “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go”, reflecting their rejection of the outcome of Saturday’s convention, which Turaki won but which the Wike-led faction boycotted.
Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, was declared national chairman in an exercise that his opponents have since described as disputed and invalid.
Both the Turaki and Wike factions had earlier announced plans to hold separate executive meetings at the secretariat on Tuesday, raising concerns of a possible confrontation.
By 9:45 a.m., the Wike-backed bloc had already taken control of the premises. The delegation was led by the sacked Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who arrived with a large contingent of armed police officers. Witnesses said the faction confidently marched into the vicinity, flanked by security operatives who quickly positioned themselves around all adjoining streets.
The heavy police presence created a tense atmosphere, with officers stationed at strategic points to prevent clashes or unauthorised entry into the building. The move appeared to consolidate the Wike faction’s hold over the space while signalling its intention to challenge Turaki’s legitimacy.
As of the time of filing this report, no member of the Kabiru-led bloc, which aligns with Turaki, had arrived at the secretariat. Their absence fuelled speculation that the group might be reassessing its strategy in light of the heightened security and the mobilisation of Wike’s supporters.
The takeover is the latest development in a widening rift within the PDP, with both factions battling for control of the party’s leadership structure. Party elders have repeatedly called for restraint, warning that the ongoing power struggle threatens to weaken the opposition at the national level further.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
