PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens as Turaki-Led NWC Protests Police Unsealing of National Headquarters

ABUJA – The internal power struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a new flashpoint on Saturday following the Nigeria Police Force's decision to unseal the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, and Legacy House. The move has sparked a fierce administrative battle between rival factions vying for control of the main opposition party.

The secretariat had been under police lock and key since November 2025, following a violent escalation of the party's leadership crisis.

Wike-Backed Faction Takes Control

The faction supported by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced it had successfully taken possession of the facilities. In a statement, Jungudo Mohammed—spokesperson for the faction led by National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed—hailed the police intervention as a victory for the legal system.

"This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process," Mohammed stated. "All individuals and groups are advised to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law, as security agencies have been duly alerted to take necessary action against violators."

The Mohammed-led executive gained significant leverage in March 2026 after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognized the results of the national convention that produced their leadership.

Turaki Group Alleges 'Contempt of Court'

The rival National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Turaki, has vehemently rejected the takeover. National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong issued a stinging rebuttal, characterizing the police’s involvement as "contemptuous" and partisan.

Ememobong argued that the police acted prematurely, claiming the court ruling used to justify the unsealing is currently under appeal. He warned that the forced entry into the secretariat could compromise ongoing judicial proceedings.

Key points of the Turaki-led NWC's protest:

• Legal Interference: Allegations that the police are "tampering with the res" (the subject matter of the dispute), which could render any future Court of Appeal judgment meaningless.

• Partisanship: Accusations that the police are enabling a "forceful takeover" by agents allegedly acting on behalf of the federal government and the ruling APC.

• Disregard for Due Process: Criticizing law enforcement for allegedly disobeying the very laws they are tasked to protect.

The Path Ahead

The standoff at Wadata Plaza underscores the deep-seated divisions within the PDP as it struggles to present a united front. With both factions claiming legal legitimacy and the police now enforcing the presence of the Mohammed-led group, the final resolution appears to rest with the Court of Appeal.

For now, the headquarters remains a symbol of a party divided, with security agencies on high alert to prevent a repeat of the violence that led to the building's closure five months ago.