Supporters of the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party have taken control of the streets surrounding Wadata Plaza, the building hosting the party’s national headquarters in Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja. The protest movement, largely composed of women and youth groups, carried placards targeting the newly appointed PDP National Chairman, Mr Tanimu Turaki, SAN. Some of the messages read: “No to Turaki,” and “Turaki Must Go.”
Mr Tanimu Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, assumed the position of National Chairman during a convention held on Saturday, which was boycotted by the Wike-led faction due to internal disagreements. On Monday, both factions scheduled separate executive meetings at the party secretariat for Tuesday, intensifying tensions.
On Tuesday morning, the Wike-backed faction, led by the sacked Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, arrived at the secretariat around 9:45 am, asserting physical control over the premises. They were accompanied by heavily armed police personnel who strategically positioned themselves around the building and adjacent streets to maintain order.
At the time of reporting, the rival Kabiru-led faction had yet to arrive at the PDP headquarters, leaving the Wike faction in uncontested control of the secretariat.
Okay News reports that the ongoing standoff underscores the widening rift within Nigeria’s main opposition party, as both camps claim legitimacy to the party leadership amid growing public scrutiny. The situation is being closely monitored by security agencies and political observers nationwide.
