The scheduled reopening of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, by the caretaker committee supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike via police intervention on Monday has raised worries about possible clashes.
On Thursday, Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary of the PDP faction supported by Wike, stated after a private meeting at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters that the faction plans to assume control of the national secretariat on Monday.
The dispute regarding the PDP national secretariat control arises from an ongoing power conflict between the Tanimu Turaki (SAN) faction, supported by governors like Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and the caretaker committee of 13 members established by the faction backed by Wike.
Turaki asserts the validity of the PDP national convention that took place in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, but this claim has been nullified by a decision from the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The final effort to reach the Wadata Plaza secretariat by the two factions led to confrontations and police involvement.
Jogudo Mohammed, the Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, and another anonymous committee member informed our correspondent that the police were directed to reopen the secretariat following a judgment from the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
“Once the secretariat has been fumigated, the committee plans to proceed with convention activities there,” Mohammed said.
He added, “Yes. Tomorrow, Monday, 9th February, we expect that the office, Wadata Plaza, will be open for party activities.
“The sale of nomination forms for elective positions in the March convention, including ad hoc forms, is scheduled to commence the following day, Tuesday, and all this will take place there.
“Since the secretariat has been under lock and key for some time, fumigation and general cleanup are required, and these are expected to commence tomorrow, all things being equal. Once the fumigation is completed, preparations for the sale of forms will proceed.”
He also stressed that the court judgment remained binding, adding, “It must also be noted that merely filing an appeal against a judgment does not automatically stay the execution or effect of that judgment.
“The judgment remains subsisting, in full force of law, unless set aside by a superior court.
“We believe the police will act accordingly, and until there is a contrary order restraining them, there is no legal basis to prevent them from complying with the existing court order.”
Mohammed cautioned that any effort by individuals from the Turaki-led National Working Committee, which had been prohibited from functioning as national officers, to interfere with legal activities at the secretariat might be regarded as contempt of court.
“Any individual previously restrained from parading himself as a national officer of the party who attempts to obstruct lawful activities at the secretariat may be held in contempt of court, and such persons will bear responsibility for any action taken by law enforcement agencies.
“We remain hopeful that the secretariat will be reopened and made available for party activities, including the sale of forms, and we will be there,” he said.
A senior member of the caretaker committee mentioned that, like INEC, the police would comply with the Ibadan court judgment and were set to remove the barricades at Wadata Plaza.
“What you should know is that there is a judgment from the Federal Court in Ibadan, and INEC, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the DSS, and other relevant agencies were duly served with a certified true copy of that judgment.
“They are therefore fully aware that the individuals parading themselves as leaders—the Turaki group—are not recognized leaders of the PDP.
“Consequently, the secretariat will be reopened tomorrow, barricades removed, and normal activities will resume,” the source added.
The Turaki-led NWC, however, warned against self-help measures, stating that the matter was still under appeal. National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said, “As we have mentioned in our press release, everyone should restrain themselves, and whatever happens tomorrow, the responsibility will be on the police. Whatever happens, even if people are physically attacked, if property is burned, if violence breaks out, or anything at all, all will be on the head of the police.
“Our suit is still pending before Justice Abdul Malik, and the Court of Appeal matter is also still pending and alive in the court of law.”
The Turaki-led faction expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal would offer relief.
Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, noted, “The secretariat is just one of the minor issues. The Court of Appeal will decide all issues, both minor and major.
“What I can assure you is that this crisis won’t be the end of the PDP. Despite all the shenanigans and conspiracies within some parts of the judiciary, we remain hopeful that the cases in the Court of Appeal will be heard and that there will be some form of fair justice.
“This will provide respite for the truly committed members of the party who are willing to keep it alive, unlike the Wike group that seeks to bring it down.”
He added, “The truth is that we can no longer afford to be in despair, even in the midst of this crisis. Hope is on the way, and we are very optimistic that justice will ultimately prevail.”
