A faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike took control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters at Wadata Plaza on Monday, intensifying a power struggle that threatens to fracture Nigeria’s largest opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Led by former North Central vice chairman Muhammed Abdulrahman, the group installed him as acting national chairman in response to the suspension of key Wike allies by the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC). The dramatic takeover unfolded under heavy police presence, with at least 10 Hilux vans deployed to prevent clashes between rival supporters.

Abdulrahman, speaking earlier at the PDP’s Federal Capital Territory office, described his elevation as a divine mandate to “heal the party’s wounds” and restore unity. “From ruling for 16 years to a humbled opposition due to defections of governors and legislators, we must reposition for law-abiding renewal,” he said. He later convened a meeting at Wadata Plaza with suspended national secretary Samuel Anyanwu and other loyalists.

The crisis erupted after the NWC suspended Anyanwu and several Wike supporters last Friday. In retaliation, the Wike camp announced counter-suspensions of Damagum and others, culminating in Monday’s occupation of the party’s headquarters. Notably absent were Damagum’s faction members, including publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba, though supporters gathered outside in protest.

The PDP has been plagued by internal divisions since Wike’s fallout with 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. The escalating rift could further weaken the party’s ability to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election. No legal action has been initiated yet, but the standoff mirrors the internal disputes that contributed to the PDP’s electoral setbacks in 2023.

As the situation unfolds, the party faces mounting pressure to resolve its leadership crisis and present a united front.