Governors Clash With Wike as PDP Factions Battle for Control

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Monday as loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, forcefully took over the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja — escalating the internal power struggle between the Wike-backed camp and the PDP governors.

The takeover occurred in the absence of National Chairman Umar Damagum and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), who are believed to enjoy the backing of PDP governors.

The invasion led to chaos within the secretariat, with reports of assaults on staff before the police intervened and sealed off the complex to restore order.

Wike’s Allies Move In

Wike’s loyalists, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, stormed the party headquarters and declared him the new Acting National Chairman. Mohammed appealed for calm, saying his goal was to restore unity and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman through the mercy of God and the support of critical stakeholders,” he said.
“My job is to heal the party, end factionalisation, and hand over to a duly elected leadership after all pending congresses.”

He described the PDP’s current state as “pitiable,” blaming poor leadership for the party’s decline from a ruling powerhouse to a fractured opposition.

Governors Vow to Fight Back

Sources within the party told PUNCH that the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, plans to resist Wike’s growing influence and reclaim control of the party.

“The governors will do everything possible to reclaim the party from those who don’t mean well for it,” a senior PDP official said.

Court Order Deepens Tension

The leadership crisis intensified after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order stopping the party’s National Convention, scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling, restrained the PDP from proceeding with the event pending compliance with its constitution and the Electoral Act.

The case was filed by three aggrieved members — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South Zone Secretary) — further splitting the party into two rival camps: the Damagum-led group and the Mohammed-led faction backed by Wike.

Suspensions and Counter-Suspensions

Over the weekend, both factions traded suspensions of key officials in a tit-for-tat escalation.
The Damagum camp suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and three others for alleged anti-party activities.
In response, the Mohammed faction announced the suspension of Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and several NWC members, accusing them of corruption and incompetence.

By Monday morning, both sides were mobilising supporters in Abuja, with tension peaking as rival groups clashed inside the secretariat. At least two staff members were reportedly injured before police sealed off the premises.

Bode George Blames Wike, Questions Court Order

Reacting to the developments, PDP chieftain Chief Bode George accused Wike of orchestrating the chaos and called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe Justice Omotosho for interfering in internal party matters.

“The Supreme Court has ruled before that political parties must resolve their internal issues themselves,” George said. “The NJC should investigate that judge and remove his wig so he can join politics if he wishes.”

He further alleged that Wike was working to secure President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid at the expense of the PDP.

‘A New Dawn or a Deeper Divide?’

Despite Mohammed’s assurances of unity, party insiders say the PDP now faces one of its most serious internal breakdowns since 2015 — with two rival chairmen, conflicting court orders, and governors openly defying the Abuja faction.

For now, police have sealed off the party’s national secretariat, leaving the PDP’s future hanging in uncertainty as both camps prepare for the next round of political and legal battles.