The internal schism within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a fresh fever pitch yesterday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, challenged the rival camp led by Tanimu Turaki to demonstrate its authority by visiting the party’s national headquarters.
Speaking at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Wadata Plaza secretariat in Abuja, the former Rivers State Governor asserted that his faction’s occupation of the building served as definitive proof of their legitimacy.
The national secretariat, which has been at the heart of the leadership tussle, was unsealed by the police specifically for the Wike-backed group following their national convention last month. This move followed a prolonged closure dating back to November 2025, sparked by violent clashes between the opposing factions.
“What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the national secretariat,” Mr Wike declared. “If there is any other PDP, let them come to the national secretariat and hold their own meeting.”
The Minister commended the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) for “reclaiming” the headquarters, suggesting that the era of hiring hotels for official party business was over.
In a swift rebuttal, the Turaki-led faction described the Minister’s statements as “childish rants.” Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, insisted that their focus remains on holding the incumbent government accountable rather than engaging in “distractions.”
Mr Ememobong further alleged that during previous confrontations at the secretariat, the Minister had “hidden himself among security personnel,” dismissing the current posturing as performative.
Despite the verbal volleys, the Wike-backed NEC proceeded with significant administrative decisions. A communiqué signed by Hon. Haruna Mohammed Jungudo on 20th April 2026, confirmed the formal adoption of the 2027 Primaries Timetable.
Key resolutions from the meeting included:
2027 Primaries: Adoption of the schedule for Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. Electronic Registration: Endorsement of an ongoing electronic membership drive to modernise the party’s database and enhance grassroots participation.
Reconciliation Mandate: The NWC was directed to establish a “strong committee” to reach out to defected members and reintegrate them into the fold.
The renewed hostilities come a mere 72 hours before a definitive Supreme Court judgement expected to determine the legitimate leadership of the erstwhile ruling party.
While Mr Wike expressed absolute confidence in his legal team stating that “God, who has led us this far, will never abandon us” the Turaki camp maintains that the unsealing of the secretariat remains a matter of judicial dispute.
In a parallel address at the same venue, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, struck a more conciliatory tone. He urged for “renewed unity” and “inclusiveness,” warning that the party could not afford to sacrifice institutional integrity for political expediency.
As the PDP prepares for the 2027 general elections, the stark contrast between the BoT’s call for “bridging divides” and the Minister’s “dare” to his rivals underscores the deep-seated friction that continues to threaten the party’s cohesion ahead of the apex court’s ruling.
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