A new phase in the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party unfolded on Saturday after the Nigeria Police Force reopened the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, allowing a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to assume control of the premises.
The headquarters, located at Wadata Plaza, had remained under lock following months of internal disputes between rival members of the party’s National Working Committee. The disagreement deepened after a controversial convention held in Ibadan last year, which was later nullified by the Court of Appeal in a ruling that favoured the Wike-backed group.
Following the police action, the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed announced that both Wadata Plaza and Legacy House had been unsealed and handed over in compliance with a subsisting court directive. In a statement, the group praised the police for respecting legal processes and cautioned against any attempt to disrupt activities at the secretariat.
The camp also acknowledged Wike’s role during the prolonged crisis and called on aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation in the interest of party unity.
But the rival bloc, led by former minister Tanimu Turaki and supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, rejected the development. The group argued that the court decision being relied upon had already been appealed and accused the police of acting despite being aware of the pending legal challenge.
Spokesperson for the Turaki-led faction, Ini Ememobong, described the move as evidence of institutional bias and insisted that the matter was still before the courts. He maintained that his faction would continue to pursue lawful means to assert its position while urging members to remain calm.
In a separate reaction, the group criticised what it called interference in an internal party matter and expressed confidence that the judiciary would ultimately resolve the dispute.
The incident highlights the deepening divisions within the opposition party as both factions continue to lay claim to its leadership and administrative control.
