Fresh tension has gripped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following plans by the Nyesom Wike-backed caretaker committee to reopen the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Monday through police intervention.
The development has raised fears of possible confrontation between rival factions within the party, amid ongoing legal battles over its leadership structure.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters on Thursday, the National Secretary of the Wike-backed faction, Samuel Anyanwu, announced that the group would take over the secretariat on Monday.
The crisis stems from a protracted power struggle between the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led faction, supported by some PDP governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and the 13-member caretaker committee aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Turaki’s faction is laying claim to the legitimacy of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, though that convention was reportedly overturned by a Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan.
A previous attempt by the rival factions to access the Wadata Plaza secretariat ended in clashes and police intervention.
The Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jogudo Mohammed, confirmed that the police had been instructed to reopen the secretariat in compliance with the Ibadan court judgment.
“Once the secretariat has been fumigated, the committee plans to proceed with convention activities there,” Mohammed said.
He added, “Yes. Tomorrow, Monday, 9th February, we expect that the office, Wadata Plaza, will be open for party activities.
“The sale of nomination forms for elective positions in the March convention, including ad hoc forms, is scheduled to commence the following day, Tuesday, and all this will take place there.
“Since the secretariat has been under lock and key for some time, fumigation and general clean-up are required, and these are expected to commence tomorrow, all things being equal. Once the fumigation is completed, preparations for the sale of forms will proceed.”
Mohammed stressed that the court ruling remained binding despite pending appeals.
He said: “It must also be noted that merely filing an appeal against a judgment does not automatically stay the execution or effect of that judgment.
“The judgment remains subsisting, in full force of law, unless set aside by a superior court.
“We believe the police will act accordingly, and until there is a contrary order restraining them, there is no legal basis to prevent them from complying with the existing court order.”
He warned that any attempt by members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee to disrupt activities could amount to contempt of court.
“Any individual previously restrained from parading himself as a national officer of the party who attempts to obstruct lawful activities at the secretariat may be held in contempt of court, and such persons will bear responsibility for any action taken by law enforcement agencies,” he said.
A senior caretaker committee member also expressed confidence that security agencies would enforce the court ruling.
“There is a judgment from the Federal Court in Ibadan, and INEC, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the DSS, and other relevant agencies were duly served with a certified true copy of that judgment.
“They are therefore fully aware that the individuals parading themselves as leaders – the Turaki group – are not recognised leaders of the PDP.
“Consequently, the secretariat will be reopened tomorrow, barricades removed, and normal activities will resume,” the source told The PUNCH.
Reacting, the Turaki-led National Working Committee cautioned against what it described as self-help measures, insisting that the matter remained before the courts.
National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said, “As we have mentioned in our press release, everyone should restrain themselves, and whatever happens tomorrow, the responsibility will be on the police.
“Whatever happens, even if people are physically attacked, if property is burned, if violence breaks out, or anything at all, all will be on the head of the police.
“Our suit is still pending before Justice Abdul Malik, and the Court of Appeal matter is also still pending and alive in the court of law.”
The faction expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal would provide clarity and relief.
Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, downplayed the secretariat dispute, describing it as minor in the broader legal contest.
“The secretariat is just one of the minor issues. The Court of Appeal will decide all issues, both minor and major,” he said.
“What I can assure you is that this crisis won’t be the end of the PDP. Despite all the shenanigans and conspiracies within some parts of the judiciary, we remain hopeful that the cases in the Court of Appeal will be heard and that there will be some form of fair justice.
“This will provide respite for the truly committed members of the party who are willing to keep it alive, unlike the Wike group that seeks to bring it down.”
He added, “The truth is that we can no longer afford to be in despair, even in the midst of this crisis. Hope is on the way, and we are very optimistic that justice will ultimately prevail.”
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