There are concerns about possible conflicts as a result of the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister Nyesom Wike’s caretaker committee’s planned reopening of the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Monday through police intervention.
Following a closed-door meeting at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday, Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary of the PDP faction supported by Wike, said that the faction would assume control of the national secretariat on Monday.
The PDP national secretariat takeover problem is the result of a protracted power struggle between the 13-member caretaker committee established by the Wike-backed side and the Tanimu Turaki (SAN) faction, which is supported by governors like as Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Turaki is claiming the validity of the November 15, 2025, PDP national convention in Ibadan, which was declared invalid by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Conflicts and police intervention followed the two factions’ most recent effort to enter the Wadata Plaza secretariat.
The Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jogudo Mohammed, along with another committee member who wished to remain anonymous, told our correspondent that the police had been instructed to open the secretariat following a Federal High Court, Ibadan judgment.
“Once the secretariat has been fumigated, the committee plans to proceed with convention activities there,” Mohammed said.
Read Also: PDP Moves to Court, Threatens Legal Action Over National Secretariat Takeover Plot
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 clean-up 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.”
Additionally, he stressed that the court’s ruling was still final, saying, “It should be remembered that just appealing a judgement does not automatically delay its implementation or effect.
Members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee, who were prohibited from serving as national officials, were cautioned by Mohammed that any attempt to interfere with the secretariat’s legitimate operations could be viewed as contempt of court.
Meanwhile, a senior member of the caretaker committee stated that the police would follow the Ibadan court’s ruling and will pull down the barricades at Wadata Plaza, just like INEC.
“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 recognised leaders of the PDP.
“Consequently, the secretariat will be reopened tomorrow, barricades removed, and normal activities will resume,” the source added.
However, the Turaki-led NWC warned against self-help tactics, pointing out that the case was still pending 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 faction expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal would offer relief.
Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, said, “The secretariat is just one of the minor issues. The Court of Appeal will decide all issues, both minor and major.
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