The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commenced renovation work at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
A reporter from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored developments at the facility located in Zone 5 on Monday, observed that renovation activities were ongoing, even as staff members had yet to resume duties.
The development follows the recent unsealing of the secretariat by the Nigeria Police Force, which granted access to the Wike-backed faction. While barricades around the building have been removed, police vehicles and personnel remain stationed at the premises to maintain security.
A party member, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that renovation began on Sunday.
“The staff members of the party’s national secretariat are yet to resume, but the renovation works started yesterday (Sunday).
“The renovation ongoing works include painting, changing of air conditioners, and locks and keys to the offices as well as their allocation to the new National Working Committee (NWC) members.
“However, I think the challenge now is that some of the staff members loyal to the Tanimu Turaki–led NWC may find it difficult to come and resume here,’’ the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, no party officials had resumed at the secretariat.
Earlier, the factional National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, announced the reopening of both the national secretariat and the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House in Maitama.
In a statement issued through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, he said the unsealing was carried out in compliance with “duly-issued court orders.” He added that control of the facilities had been handed to the Mohammed-led National Working Committee, with Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.
While commending the police for professionalism, Mohammed warned that the party would not tolerate any acts of obstruction or disruption at the secretariat.
However, the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki has rejected the development, describing the unsealing as contemptuous.
Its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, argued that the court judgment cited by the police had already been appealed, with all parties duly informed.
“By this action, they have tampered with the res, which could render the Court of Appeal judgment nugatory,” he said.
The situation underscores the deepening internal crisis within the PDP, as rival factions continue to battle for control of the party’s leadership and assets.
What you should know
The ongoing renovation of the PDP national secretariat highlights the intensity of the party’s leadership crisis.
While the Wike-backed faction has taken physical control of the facility, legal disputes remain unresolved, raising questions about legitimacy. The presence of police indicates heightened tensions, while the reluctance of some staff to resume suggests internal divisions.
With court cases still pending, the situation could escalate further, potentially affecting the PDP’s unity and preparedness ahead of future elections.
