Tensions have risen in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the caretaker committee supported by Nyesom Wike plans to reopen the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Monday with help from the police.
The development has raised fears of possible confrontation between rival factions within the party, amid ongoing legal battles over its leadership structure.
After a private meeting at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters on Thursday, Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary for the Wike-backed group, said they would take control of the secretariat on Monday.
The crisis comes from a long-running power struggle between the faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which has support from some PDP governors like Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and the 13-member caretaker committee aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Turaki’s group claims the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, was legitimate, even though a Federal High Court in Ibadan reportedly overturned it.
Earlier, when the rival groups tried to enter the Wadata Plaza secretariat, it led to clashes and the police had to step in.
Jogudo Mohammed, the caretaker committee’s Publicity Secretary, confirmed that the police were told to reopen the secretariat as ordered by the Ibadan court.
“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 start the next day, Tuesday, and all of this will happen there.”
“Since the secretariat has been under lo“The secretariat has been locked for a while, so fumigation and cleaning are needed. These should start tomorrow. After that, we’ll get ready to sell the forms.”ling 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 ofHe warned that if members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee try to disrupt activities, it could be seen as contempt of court.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 member of the caretaker committee also said they were confident that security agencies would enforce the court’s 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.
The source told The PUNCH, “So, the secretariat will reopen tomorrow, barricades will be taken down, and normal activities will start again.”CH.
In response, the Turaki-led National Working Committee warned against what it called self-help actions, saying the issue is still in court.
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 group said they were hopeful that the Court of Appeal would bring clarity and relief.
Eddy Olafeso, former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), played down the secretariat dispute, calling it a minor issue in the larger legal battle.
“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.”