ABUJA — Political uncertainty continues to surround the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja, as rival factions remain locked in a struggle over control of the Wadata Plaza secretariat. Although calm returned to the area on Monday, security personnel maintained a strong presence amid competing claims about plans to reopen the building after months of closure.
The controversy began when a faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced that the secretariat would reopen, citing what it described as favourable court decisions and recognition from relevant authorities. However, opposing blocs within the party quickly challenged the move, insisting that ongoing legal disputes make any attempt to access the premises unlawful.
Samuel Anyanwu, acting national secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed–led caretaker committee, said the headquarters should resume operations, arguing that recent judicial pronouncements had clarified the leadership question within the party. His statement intensified existing tensions, with rival factions warning security agencies not to grant access while cases related to party leadership remain before the courts.
The building has been sealed since November 2025, when police intervened after rival groups attempted to hold parallel National Executive Committee meetings, leading to clashes among supporters. Since then, the locked secretariat has become a powerful symbol of the party’s deepening internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite visible security patrols around Wadata Plaza, no confrontations were reported at the time of filing this report. Authorities appeared focused on preventing any faction from forcing entry or triggering violence while legal proceedings continue.
Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Kabiru Turaki–led faction, accused what he described as “expelled members” of attempting to regain control of the secretariat through backdoor arrangements. He said the group had written to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Police Command, warning that the building remains the subject of active litigation before both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
According to Ememobong, any attempt to occupy the premises while court cases are ongoing would amount to self-help and could undermine judicial authority. He stressed that his faction would pursue all available legal options to prevent what it considers unlawful occupation and warned that responsibility for any damage or injuries would lie with those attempting to force access.
Farida Umar, a PDP National Executive Committee member and Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the same faction, also rejected the planned reopening. She argued that the Wike-aligned group lacks legal authority, claiming the party had already expelled its members and that the matter remains under judicial review.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Wike-aligned bloc insist that recent Federal High Court rulings and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have clarified the party’s leadership structure. According to sources within the group, the recognised caretaker committee now has the legal right to resume operations at the national headquarters, arguing that the continued sealing of the premises is unnecessary.
One source close to the faction said that with leadership disputes allegedly settled by the courts and acknowledged by INEC, there should be no justification for keeping the building closed. The source maintained that reopening the secretariat would restore administrative order and allow the party to function effectively.
Security officials, however, emphasised that their primary concern remains maintaining law and order. A source said security personnel had been instructed to prevent any forced entry or confrontation while awaiting further legal clarity.
Another party insider blamed the crisis on political ambition and internal rivalry, suggesting that personal interests rather than party unity were driving the conflict. The source alleged that certain actors were attempting to weaken internal opposition structures for personal gain ahead of future political contests.
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the command had not received any formal directive or briefing regarding plans to reopen the facility, adding that security agencies would continue monitoring the situation.
Within party circles, control of the national secretariat is seen as highly strategic because it determines administrative authority, coordination of party activities, recognition of officials, and operational management of structures nationwide — factors that could significantly influence alliances and candidate selection as the 2027 elections approach.
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