The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The pro-Wike camp announced the suspension of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and named Muhammed Abdulrahman as the new acting chairman.
This move deepened the division within the opposition party, which has been struggling to maintain unity ahead of upcoming political activities.
Before this takeover, the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Damagum had earlier suspended several members perceived to be loyal to Wike, including Samuel Anyanwu.
Speaking to journalists shortly after assuming office, Abdulrahman stated that his leadership’s primary goal was to reconcile all factions and restore stability to the PDP.
He later convened a meeting at the secretariat with Anyanwu and other Wike-aligned officials.
As tensions rose, security operatives were deployed to the party headquarters.
At least 10 police Hilux patrol vans were seen stationed around the area to forestall any violent confrontation between the rival groups.
