The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, engaged in a heated battle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday. Heavy tear gas was blasted around the Wuse Zone Five grounds as emotions escalated, and security personnel loyal to both factions reportedly engaged in a free-for-all over who would seize control of the secretariat.
The dispute stems from a power struggle within the party. While Wike stayed firmly inside the premises with Samuel Anyanwu, the troubled National Secretary who insists that his term is valid until December 8, 2025, Governor Makinde came at the location with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja.
According to other reports, the factions commanded by Tanimu Turaki and Samuel Anyanwu were getting ready to meet separately at the same location to discuss leadership of the party.
The Zone 5 secretariat is surrounded by a large number of police, Directorate of State Services (DSS) officials, and other security personnel. Near the location, supporters of both groups were observed chanting and drumming.
Using a counter-order from the Oyo State High Court, the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee moved forward with the PDP convention last weekend despite two different court judgments that attempted to stop it.
Speakers and delegates regularly brought up the continuing legal dispute, portraying the convention's triumph as evidence of the party's tenacity and resistance to pressure from both inside and outside the organization.
Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and host governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) were among the governors present.
Along with other prominent PDP leaders, notable attendees included former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and former governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shekarau.
Turaki became the new party chairman during the Convention, and certain party leaders, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, were expelled at the recent convention in Ibadan.
