Pro-Wike Faction Takes Over PDP Headquarters, Appoints Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman

Tension gripped the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, moved to take control of the party’s secretariat.

The pro-Wike group announced the appointment of Muhammed Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, in a direct challenge to the authority of the current leadership led by Umar Damagum.

Abdulrahman, speaking at a press briefing held at the PDP’s FCT office, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of abandoning the ideals upon which the party was founded. He vowed to reposition the PDP and restore unity among its members.

“We are all aware of the pitiable state of our great party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders,” Abdulrahman said. “From being the ruling party for 16 years to a weakened opposition for over a decade, it is time to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the PDP.”

He added that his appointment was backed by “critical stakeholders” determined to rescue the party from what he described as internal decay and poor leadership.

The move came after weeks of internal wrangling that have sharply divided the opposition party into two major camps — one loyal to Wike and the other to Damagum and his allies.

Last week, the Damagum-led NWC suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and several officials seen as Wike loyalists. In response, the Wike faction announced the suspension of Damagum and his key supporters, naming Abdulrahman as acting chairman.

Moments after his announcement, Abdulrahman and his supporters reportedly marched into the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza to assert control. Their action prompted a swift security response, with heavily armed police operatives deployed around the complex to prevent a possible confrontation between rival groups.

Witnesses said at least ten Hilux patrol vans were stationed at strategic points within and around the premises as tensions continued to rise.

The leadership tussle, which has simmered since the 2023 general elections, has now escalated into a full-blown power struggle. Analysts warn that the crisis could paralyse the party’s operations and weaken its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.