Two rival groups laying claim to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set for a confrontation today as both plan to hold separate high-level meetings at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The newly elected National Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has scheduled the inaugural meeting of the new National Working Committee (NWC) at the secretariat. At the same time, a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fixed an emergency Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for the same venue.
The development follows last weekend’s national convention in Ibadan, where Turaki’s faction announced the expulsion of Wike, former National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other members — decisions the Wike group has dismissed as illegitimate.
Turaki Meets Police, Insists PDP Will Reclaim Secretariat
Speaking after a meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police on Monday, Turaki said the party had formally notified the police of its intention to resume activities at the secretariat and hold today’s NWC meeting.
He said the visit was part of preparations for the first official gathering of the newly elected NWC and other stakeholders — including governors, National Assembly members, BoT members, state chairmen, and founding leaders.
Turaki accused expelled members of circulating unauthorized notices of BoT and NEC meetings on social media, stressing that such figures no longer hold any authority in the party.
He reiterated that the National Convention is the highest decision-making organ of the PDP and had already ruled on the status of the individuals purporting to convene meetings.
“We shall return to our secretariat. Anyone occupying offices there without our approval is an interloper,” he said, adding that the NWC would arrive at 10 a.m. for its meeting.
He said the party would avoid confrontation but would protect itself if threatened. The FCT Commissioner of Police, he noted, assured the party of adequate security to prevent disruptions.
Wike’s Camp Sets Parallel BoT, NEC Meetings
Despite the warnings from Turaki’s faction, the Wike-aligned group has also scheduled activities at Wadata Plaza today. A notice issued by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was expelled at the Ibadan convention, invited party officials to an emergency BoT meeting at 11 a.m. and an NEC meeting at 2 p.m., describing attendance as “very important.”
Aliyu: Expulsions Necessary to Save PDP
Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, defended the expulsions, describing them as a “surgical procedure” needed to remove elements harming the party.
Speaking at the 6th Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, Aliyu warned that Nigeria must avoid drifting into a one-party system, arguing that political diversity is essential.
He criticized the practice of elected officials defecting from their parties despite constitutional restrictions, noting that such actions weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
Turaki Promises Reconciliation but Warns Against Saboteurs
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Turaki pledged to embark on an extensive reconciliation effort across the PDP, including outreach to members who feel sidelined or aggrieved.
He said the leadership would apologize where necessary and take every step needed to reunite the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, he warned that reconciliation would not extend to individuals he described as persistent “saboteurs.”
“We will seek peace with those who want peace. But how do you reconcile with someone who keeps attacking the party?” he asked.
Turaki dismissed the legitimacy of the parallel leadership structure, arguing it makes no sense for a small group to claim authority over the majority of NWC members.
Analysts say the crisis has deepened existing divisions in the PDP, with some governors distancing themselves from the Ibadan convention’s decisions including the expulsions.
