By Obinna Uballa
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday seized control of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, escalating the deepening leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The group announced Muhammed Abdulrahman as the new acting national chairman, effectively displacing the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The development followed a series of suspensions between the rival camps. The Damagum-led NWC had earlier suspended Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s national secretary, and several Wike loyalists. In retaliation, the Wike camp suspended Damagum and other key NWC members before naming Abdulrahman as acting chairman.
Addressing journalists at the PDP’s FCT office before proceeding to Wadata Plaza, Abdulrahman said he had accepted the responsibility to “heal” and “rebuild” the crisis-ridden party.
“We are all aware of the pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members,” he said.
“From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to an opposition for over a decade, we have suffered defections of governors, legislators, and other key figures. I have accepted to become acting national chairman through the mercy of God and the instrumentality of very critical stakeholders.”
He vowed to restore internal order, reconcile aggrieved members, and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shortly after his address, Abdulrahman led his supporters to the party’s national secretariat, where he reportedly held a meeting with Anyanwu and other Wike-aligned officials.
However, loyalists of Damagum also arrived at the secretariat, prompting a swift intervention by security operatives to prevent a violent confrontation.
At least 10 police patrol vans were stationed around the building as officers maintained order while both factions engaged in tense discussions.
By midday, Abdulrahman and his team had effectively taken over the PDP headquarters, with his first leadership meeting reportedly held inside the secretariat.
