Tensions reached a breaking point within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday before security operatives shut down the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza and the Legacy House in Abuja. The clampdown followed the emergence of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman amid a deepening internal power struggle.
Key Highlights:
- Security operatives sealed off both Wadata Plaza and Legacy House hours after Abdulrahman Mohammed assumed office as Acting National Chairman.
- The PDP crisis has split the National Working Committee into rival factions led by Umar Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu.
- A Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16, citing procedural irregularities.
- Party staff protested the closure of the secretariat, describing the situation as “total confusion.”
- Analysts warn the opposition party’s credibility and unity are at risk ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ongoing crisis within the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been building for months, marked by factional suspensions, legal battles, and disputes over control of state structures. The situation worsened over the weekend when the camp loyal to National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and five NWC members over alleged incompetence and financial misconduct.
In a swift counter move, Damagum’s loyalists suspended Anyanwu and three others for “gross indiscipline,” deepening the standoff. The conflict has its roots in long-standing disputes over zonal leadership in the South-South region and constitutional compliance within the party.
The crisis took a legal turn when Justice A.O. Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued an interim order restraining the PDP from holding its national convention in Ibadan due to irregular congresses in 14 states and failure to notify INEC as required by law.
Following Damagum’s suspension, Anyanwu’s faction appointed Abdulrahman Mohammed, the National Vice Chairman (North Central), as Acting National Chairman. His appointment has split opinion: while supporters see it as a step toward restoring order, critics have dismissed it as a “power hijack” orchestrated by vested interests.
Mohammed has vowed to end the infighting and reposition the PDP for the 2027 elections. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose praised his emergence and urged him to conduct legitimate congresses and a credible convention.
The security lockdown, which began early Monday, saw heavily armed personnel seal off both Wadata Plaza and Legacy House under what officials described as “orders from above.” Party staff and journalists were evacuated, and all entry points were blocked to prevent possible clashes between rival factions seeking control of the premises.
By afternoon, frustrated PDP workers staged a protest outside the secretariat, accusing the leadership of throwing the party into “total confusion.” As of the time of going to press, both buildings remained sealed, with police and civil defence operatives maintaining guard.
Reactions within the PDP remain sharply divided. Mohammed’s supporters argue that his leadership could unify the party, while Damagum’s camp insists his removal was illegal. Insiders from both sides have retreated to separate strategy meetings, raising fears that reconciliation may be far off.
Political observers describe the situation as a “fictionalisation of the PDP,” warning that the leadership vacuum and legal battles could weaken the opposition’s strength before the next general election. With its national convention suspended and key offices locked down, the party now faces its greatest internal test since losing power in 2015…
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