What Has Happened
The internal power struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, installing its preferred acting national chairman.
The faction appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman. He arrived at the national secretariat on Monday, accompanied by supporters, and immediately assumed office.
Earlier, the Wike-aligned group had announced the suspension of Umar Damagum, the party’s acting national chairman, along with other members of the National Working Committee (NWC). In response, Damagum’s camp had also suspended key figures loyal to Wike, including the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
The takeover created tension at the secretariat, with supporters of both sides gathering at the complex. Security operatives were deployed to prevent clashes and maintain order.
Why It Matters
This development marks a critical point in the PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis, with significant political implications:
- Control of party machinery: Seizing the national secretariat gives a faction influence over party records, communications, and access to administrative power.
- Timing ahead of 2027 elections: With general elections approaching, control of the PDP’s leadership determines how candidates are selected and how strategies are formed.
- Party unity and constitutional issues: Both sides claim to be acting in defence of the PDP’s constitution, raising the possibility of internal litigation and further division.
- Symbolism of power: The ability to physically occupy the secretariat signals political momentum and control, even if the legal questions remain unresolved.
Statements from the Wike Faction
After assuming office, Mohammed Abdulrahman pledged to “heal the party” and end internal divisions.
He said:
“I have accepted to serve as Acting National Chairman at this difficult time. My job here is simple: heal the party of its wounds and end factionalisation. Reposition the party and make it law-abiding.”
He also announced plans to convene a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and complete all pending congresses at state, local government, and ward levels before the next national convention.
Reactions from the Rival Faction
Umar Damagum and his allies have condemned the takeover as unconstitutional, insisting that the Wike-aligned camp lacks the authority to suspend party officials or appoint a new acting chairman.
Their faction argues that:
- The procedures for suspensions and leadership changes were not followed according to the PDP’s constitution.
- The Wike group’s actions are politically motivated and amount to hijacking the party.
- Many state congresses remain incomplete, making it impossible to lawfully hold a national convention.
The Damagum-led group also accused the Wike camp of engaging in “anti-party activities,” claiming that Wike’s role in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government compromises the PDP’s opposition integrity.
Timeline of Events
- November 1, 2025: Wike’s faction announced the suspension of Umar Damagum and several NWC members, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
- November 2, 2025: Damagum’s camp countered by suspending National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and other officials loyal to Wike.
- November 3, 2025: Abdulrahman arrived at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, assumed office, and addressed the media, while police were deployed to prevent clashes.
Implications and What to Watch
- Control of structure: Will Abdulrahman’s faction consolidate power across state and local chapters, or will the Damagum camp resist successfully?
- Convention uncertainty: The status of the PDP’s proposed national convention remains unclear, with legal challenges looming.
- 2027 election readiness: Prolonged division may weaken the PDP’s ability to contest effectively in upcoming elections.
- Legal outcomes: Courts may be called upon to decide which faction holds legitimate authority.
- Party stability: Continued infighting could drive defections or alliances with other parties, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Conclusion
The takeover of the PDP national secretariat by Nyesom Wike’s faction, and the installation of Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman, marks a new phase in the party’s deepening internal crisis. What began as a disagreement over congresses and leadership succession has now become a battle for control of the party’s headquarters and identity.
With both factions claiming legitimacy, the coming weeks will be decisive for the PDP’s future — whether it can reconcile and rebuild before the 2027 elections, or fracture further under the weight of its internal divisions.
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