Tension Rises as Wike, Makinde Factions Battle for PDP Secretariat

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.

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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