Tension flared at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday following an attempt by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to assume control of the party’s secretariat.
The development occurred after the Wike-aligned group announced Muhammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman, shortly after suspending the incumbent, Umar Damagum, and other senior party officials.
This move appeared to be a response to earlier actions by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Damagum, which had suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and several members loyal to Wike amid an escalating internal power struggle.
Addressing reporters in Abuja, Abdulrahman said his appointment was aimed at “restoring unity and discipline” within the PDP.
“Our goal is to heal divisions, rebuild trust among members, and reposition the party to reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria’s political space,” he stated.
He described his emergence as a “divine mandate” supported by key stakeholders seeking to stabilize the opposition party.
Following the announcement, Abdulrahman and his supporters proceeded to the PDP secretariat at Wadata Plaza, where they were met by another group loyal to Damagum.
Security Agencies Intervene
The confrontation prompted a swift response from security operatives, who deployed several armed police officers to prevent violence.
Eyewitnesses reported that at least 10 police patrol vehicles were stationed around the secretariat to ensure calm and maintain order as both factions continued to assert their authority.
The situation remained tense as party stakeholders called for restraint and urged the warring factions to pursue peaceful resolution through internal mechanisms
