A dramatic power struggle has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as governors elected under the party’s platform confront loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the forceful takeover of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza.
On Monday, November 3, Wike-aligned members stormed the PDP headquarters in Abuja, effectively ousting the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum. In a swift and controversial move, the faction declared Muhammed Abdulrahman as the new acting national chairman, challenging the legitimacy of the existing leadership.
This internal crisis comes ahead of the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November, where key party positions will be contested. The outcome of this power tussle could significantly influence the party’s direction and its presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.
Statement from Abdulrahman, “We are here to restore sanity, unity, and discipline to the PDP. The party must be rescued from internal sabotage,” Abdulrahman declared during a press briefing at the FCT office before the takeover.
As the PDP grapples with this leadership crisis, party stakeholders and the Nigerian public watch closely. The resolution of this conflict will not only determine the party’s internal cohesion but also its viability as a major contender in the 2027 general elections.