Heavy security personnel were stationed at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday as two opposing factions, each asserting control of the party’s leadership, prepared to convene separate meetings within the same complex.
By midday, the Samuel Anyanwu–led National Working Committee (NWC) had already taken position at the Wadata Plaza headquarters. Anyanwu, who insists he remains the party’s national secretary until his tenure expires in December, resumed at his office in spite of the escalating tension over which faction holds legitimate authority.
When questioned about the heavy security presence, Anyanwu confirmed that he was responsible for inviting the operatives who barricaded major areas outside the premises. He explained that the PDP typically calls in security agencies whenever a major meeting is scheduled to ensure order and prevent disruptions. He added that the security personnel were also on alert for what he described as potential “intruders,” a clear reference to the Turaki-led faction, which had also announced plans to convene its own meeting at the same headquarters.
The dispute intensified following the recent convention held by the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, where a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), was elected national chairman.
During the November 15 convention in Ibadan, the faction expelled Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, and national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, along with several other party leaders, accusing them of anti-party activities. The expulsion motion, moved by PDP chieftain Bode George and seconded by the Bauchi State chairman, targeted 11 prominent members, including Umar Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austine Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih.
Anyanwu, however, dismissed the Ibadan gathering as a “jamboree,” insisting the convention lacked legitimacy. He argued that 16 states had not conducted their congresses, including the entire South-East, making the event neither representative nor compliant with party procedures. He further claimed that even previous congress results had not been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he stressed that with so many states unrepresented, the convention could not be regarded as all-inclusive. Reflecting on comments made at the convention about adherence to party rules, he remarked that he simply “laughed,” describing the entire exercise as unserious.
What you should know
The unfolding PDP crisis centers on parallel leadership claims, disputed conventions, and rival factions jostling for control of the party’s national structure.
As tensions rise at the party’s headquarters, the struggle reflects deeper fractures within the PDP, with both sides insisting on legitimacy while pursuing separate political directions.
