Garba Mohammed
Tensions boiled over at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as forces loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed clashed with supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a dramatic struggle for control of the opposition party’s secretariat.
According to reports, the showdown began when security operatives attached to both camps engaged in a heated standoff at the Wadata Plaza complex. The confrontation escalated quickly, with teargas reportedly fired by operatives from both sides as each faction attempted to assert authority over the premises.
Governor Makinde arrived at the PDP headquarters in company of the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, insisting that the party’s leadership must reflect the outcomes of the most recent internal decisions. Inside the complex, Wike maintained his support for Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary who insists that his term remains valid until December 8, 2025.
The dramatic scenes deepened concerns within the party, with senior stakeholders accusing the police of failing to uphold neutrality amid the intensifying leadership crisis that has gripped the PDP in recent weeks.
The confrontation marks another escalation in the internal power struggle, coming just hours after the new PDP Chairman and former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki, declared that his faction was prepared to “take over Wadata Plaza even if it takes our lives,” underscoring the depth of the crisis rocking the party.