An uneasy calm hung over the Peoples Democratic Party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza on Monday as rival factions waited to learn whether security forces would allow access to the sealed facility.
The standoff centers on a faction allied with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which announced plans to reopen the headquarters after months of closure, and opposing groups that insist any such move would constitute contempt of court.
Samuel Anyanwu, acting national secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee, said the building should reopen based on favorable court decisions and the rejection of attempts by rivals to force police intervention. However, competing factions dispute the legitimacy of this claim.
Police locked down Wadata Plaza in November 2025 following clashes between supporters when rival groups tried to hold simultaneous National Executive Committee meetings. The sealed building has since become a potent symbol of the party’s leadership crisis heading into the 2027 elections.
While security personnel remained visible around the complex, no incidents had occurred by press time. Authorities have yet to clarify whether they will grant access to either side while court proceedings continue.
Legal warnings issued
Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, warned that forced entry would violate legal principles and constitute self-help.
“We have written to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Commissioner reminding them that the secretariat remains under judicial consideration at both the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal,” Ememobong said. “Any attempt to occupy the property while these cases are pending shows contempt for the court. We will use all legal means to prevent trespass.”
Farida Umar, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the same faction, was equally firm: “They have been expelled and have no legal authority while the matter is before the Court of Appeal. The police have no right to facilitate their takeover.”
Wike faction claims legitimacy
Leaders aligned with Wike counter that recent court rulings and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission have settled the leadership question in their favor.
“There is now clarity, not ambiguity,” said a source close to the faction’s position. “The Federal High Court has stated who the legitimate National Working Committee is. INEC, the regulatory body for political parties, has identified the recognized leadership. There is no reason for Wadata to remain sealed.”
Security maintains watch
A security official confirmed that authorities were focused on preventing forced entry or violence. “Security remains tight to prevent anyone from forcing their way in,” the source said.
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said she had not received official briefing on unsealing plans. “I have limited information about any plans to unseal the PDP secretariat,” she stated.
Stakes beyond symbolism
Party insiders view control of Wadata Plaza as far more than symbolic. The secretariat houses critical administrative functions—official correspondence, recognition of executives, coordination of national activities—that could shape internal power dynamics and influence the nomination process before 2027.
One party source suggested external political interests were fueling the conflict. “This is driven by selfish interests. Why else would anyone try to weaken the opposition using government machinery? Some people want to become president or impress the president, creating the impression they still hold power when they don’t.”
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