The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has taken control of the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
The move followed deepening tensions within the opposition party, as the Wike faction announced the appointment of Muhammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
Earlier, the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Umar Damagum had suspended Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, along with several officials believed to be loyal to Wike.
In a swift counteraction, the Wike camp also suspended Damagum and other key party leaders before naming Abdulrahman as acting chairman.
Addressing journalists at the PDP’s FCT office on Monday, Abdulrahman said he was moving to assume full control of the PDP national secretariat.
“We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members.
From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to being an opposition party for over 10 years now, we have moved from being a formidable opposition to a humbled one — owing to unexplainable defections of governors, legislators, and council chairmen,” he said.
“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through the mercy of God and the instrumentality of very critical stakeholders of this party.”
Abdulrahman said his immediate focus would be to heal divisions within the PDP, restore unity, and reposition the party as a credible opposition.
Following his declaration, he proceeded to the national secretariat where he addressed supporters.
However, supporters of Umar Damagum were also seen at the premises, prompting the deployment of police officers to prevent any confrontation.
At least 10 police Hilux vans were stationed around the area to maintain order.
Abdulrahman later held his first meeting at the secretariat, with Samuel Anyanwu and other loyalists in attendance.
