Wike-backed faction takes control as police unseal PDP secretariat

The Nigeria Police Force has unsealed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja, effectively restoring access to a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The property, Wadata Plaza, along with the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House in Maitama, had been sealed since November 2025 following clashes between rival factions within the party.

Factional national chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement issued through the party’s publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, stating that the unsealing was carried out in compliance with court orders.

He added that the secretariat had been handed over to the Mohammed-led National Working Committee, with Samuel Anyanwu recognised as national secretary.

Rival faction rejects move, alleges breach of legal process

Mohammed commended the police for what he described as professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, noting that the action reaffirmed constitutional order within the party.

“This development reassures members that recent challenges have been effectively resolved,” he said, while urging aggrieved members to embrace unity and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace at the secretariat.

He also expressed appreciation to party stakeholders, particularly Wike, describing his support as instrumental in resolving the crisis.

However, the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki strongly opposed the move, describing it as contemptuous and legally questionable.

Its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, argued that the court judgment cited for the unsealing had already been appealed, and all relevant parties had been duly notified.

“By this action, they have tampered with the res, which could render the Court of Appeal’s judgment nugatory,” Ememobong said, accusing the police of possible partisan interference.

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He urged party members to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that lawful steps would be taken to protect the interests of what he described as legitimate members of the party.

The development marks the latest twist in the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, with both factions continuing to assert legitimacy amid ongoing legal and political battles.