Politics

Tension Rises as Wike, Makinde Factions Battle for PDP Secretariat

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Tension Rises as Wike, Makinde Factions Battle for PDP Secretariat

Tension is mounting within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as rival factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and governors aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde prepare for a potential confrontation over the planned reopening of the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The crisis follows plans by a 13-member caretaker committee, backed by Wike, to reopen the secretariat on Monday, reportedly with police support, a move that has raised fears of clashes between opposing party factions.

Speaking after a private meeting at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters on Thursday, Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary of the Wike-backed faction, confirmed that the group would take control of the PDP national secretariat on Monday.

The dispute over control of the party’s headquarters stems from an ongoing power struggle between the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led faction, supported by governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and the caretaker committee formed by the Wike-backed bloc.

READ ALSO:

Turaki’s faction insists on the legitimacy of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, a position that was, however, nullified by a ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. Previous attempts by both camps to access the Wadata Plaza secretariat have resulted in confrontations and police intervention.

Jogudo Mohammed, the Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, said the police had been directed to reopen the secretariat in line with the Ibadan court judgment.

“Once the secretariat has been fumigated, the committee plans to proceed with convention activities there,” Mohammed said.

He confirmed that the reopening was scheduled for Monday, February 9, adding that fumigation and general cleanup would begin immediately due to the prolonged closure of the facility.

According to him, the sale of nomination forms for elective positions ahead of the March PDP convention, including ad hoc forms, would commence on Tuesday, all at the Wadata Plaza secretariat.

Mohammed stressed that the court judgment remained valid and enforceable, noting that filing an appeal does not automatically suspend its execution.

“The judgment remains subsisting and in full force of law unless set aside by a superior court,” he said, expressing confidence that the police would act in line with the ruling.

He further warned that any attempt by members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC)—who were restrained from acting as national officers—to disrupt activities at the secretariat could amount to contempt of court.

A senior member of the caretaker committee also disclosed that security agencies, including the police, were prepared to remove barricades at Wadata Plaza, citing compliance with the Ibadan court ruling.

“The Inspector General of Police, the DSS, INEC, and other agencies were duly served with the judgment. They are fully aware that the Turaki group is not recognised as the party’s leadership,” the source said.

However, the Turaki-led faction has strongly cautioned against what it described as self-help, insisting that the matter remains under appeal.

The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, warned that any breakdown of law and order would be the responsibility of the police.

“Our suit is still pending before Justice Abdul Malik, and the Court of Appeal matter is alive. Whatever happens tomorrow—violence, attacks, destruction of property—will rest on the police,” he said.

Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal would eventually resolve the crisis, describing the secretariat dispute as a minor issue in the broader legal battle.

“This crisis will not be the end of the PDP,” Olafeso said. “Despite conspiracies and internal challenges, we believe justice will prevail. Hope is on the way.”

As both factions dig in ahead of Monday’s planned reopening, the PDP faces one of its most critical internal tests, with party unity and public confidence hanging in the balance.

Tension Rises as Wike, Makinde Factions Battle for PDP Secretariat

Related Topics:Featured Makinde PDP Secretariat Wike

Up Next

Ex‑Lawmaker, 200 Others Defect From APC to Labour Party in Abia

Don't Miss

Political shock in Ogun, Obasanjo’s daughter Iyabo declares for governorship under APC

Politics

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Wike’s Vision

Published

9 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Wike’s Vision

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the development vision of his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, pledging to complete the Port Harcourt Ring Road project by October 2026. The governor described the initiative as a strategic urban infrastructure priority that will enhance transportation, economic activity, and urban mobility in the state.

During an inspection of the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road construction, Fubara emphasised that completing the project is both a fulfillment of Wike’s vision and his own promise to the people of Rivers State. He assured residents that all necessary resources, logistics, and manpower would be deployed to ensure the timely delivery of the road.

READ ALSO:

“This is a transformative project that will significantly improve connectivity across Port Harcourt and stimulate economic growth,” the governor said, stressing that the road will benefit current and future generations.

Fubara’s statement comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts with Wike, following earlier political tensions. Stakeholders have hailed the renewed focus on infrastructure, noting that the Ring Road project is a tangible sign of continuity and partnership between successive administrations.

The governor’s pledge underscores a broader commitment to infrastructure development, urban planning, and economic empowerment in Rivers State, with the Port Harcourt Ring Road serving as a flagship project that embodies both legacy and progress.

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Wike’s Vision

Politics

2027: Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting With IBB in Minna

Published

10 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Nigerian Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting With IBB in Minna

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde held a closed-door meeting with former Nigerian Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) at his private residence in Minna, Niger State on Tuesday. The meeting is generating political interest as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Atiku arrived in Minna shortly after 1 p.m. and proceeded directly to Babangida’s residence. About 40 minutes into the session, Governor Makinde joined the meeting, which continued behind closed doors. No official statement has been issued, but sources indicate the discussions focused on electoral reforms, including the ongoing debate over electronic transmission of election results, as well as other national governance issues.

READ ALSO:

Political observers see the meeting as a strategic consultation ahead of the 2027 polls, highlighting the involvement of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures in shaping election strategies and political alignments. Journalists were barred from the session, underscoring its private and sensitive nature.

While details remain limited, insiders described the meeting as timely and critical, considering the heightened discourse on credible elections, national security, and political coordination among key stakeholders. An official briefing is expected once the discussions conclude.

Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting With IBB in Minna

Politics

“Electoral Act Amendment: El-Rufai Calls Akpabio ‘Tinubu’s Lapdog’”

Published

19 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai

“Electoral Act Amendment: El-Rufai Calls Akpabio ‘Tinubu’s Lapdog’”

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has launched a scathing critique of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of being the central obstacle in the Electoral Act Amendment debate and describing him as a “lapdog” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The comments mark a new flashpoint in Nigeria’s political discourse over reforms intended to modernize the country’s electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a recent interview, El-Rufai emphasized that the Senate as an institution is not the main issue. Instead, he singled out Akpabio’s leadership, asserting that the Senate President’s actions have slowed progress on key provisions of the amendment, particularly the mandatory electronic transmission of polling-unit results. According to El-Rufai, Akpabio’s approach appears to prioritize political interests over democratic reform, warning that this stance threatens transparency and voter confidence.

READ ALSO:

El-Rufai did not mince words, branding Akpabio a “scumbag” and urging fellow senators and political actors to unite against the perceived obstruction. He maintained that the warning is intended to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and ensure that reforms are implemented effectively.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been a source of intense debate. Advocates for reform emphasize that electronic transmission of results and other technological enhancements are crucial for credible elections. Critics, however, argue that the Senate’s handling of the bill — including delays and contested provisions — risks undermining public trust.

In response, Akpabio has defended the Senate’s work, insisting that the bill is still under review and that final decisions will follow bicameral reconciliation between the Senate and House of Representatives. He maintains that accusations of obstruction are based on misunderstandings of legislative procedure and that reforms will be implemented transparently.

Political analysts have weighed in, noting that while Akpabio’s role is controversial, the success of the Electoral Act Amendment will ultimately depend on cooperation among lawmakers, adherence to due process, and public accountability. Civil society organizations and opposition figures continue to call for urgent, transparent reforms to ensure credible elections and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

With 2027 elections approaching, the stakes remain high. How the National Assembly navigates debates over modernized voting technology, transparency measures, and legislative authority will influence public confidence and shape political alliances across Nigeria. El-Rufai’s strong words signal growing tension and highlight the urgency for decisive action to advance electoral reform.