THIS DAWN — The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Monday, November 18, 2025, as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, gained full access to the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja and moved to assert its authority.
The development marks a significant escalation in the prolonged power struggle between Wike’s camp and loyalists of PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, as well as the Atiku Abubakar faction pushing for wider party reforms.
Sources at the secretariat confirmed that key officials aligned with Wike arrived early in the day accompanied by supporters and were allowed entry by security personnel who had previously restricted access amid concerns of confrontation.
Their entry was followed by a brief closed-door meeting with some members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Afterwards, the faction announced that it had “assumed rightful administrative control” of party operations, pending further resolutions by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
PDP’s “paralysis and indecision”
Party insiders said the takeover was triggered by growing frustration within Wike’s bloc over what they describe as the “paralysis and indecision” in the PDP leadership.
According to them, the party cannot continue on its current trajectory of internal division, dwindling public influence, and lack of strategic direction.
Wike’s loyalists argue that the former Rivers State governor has the political structure, influence, and capacity to reposition the PDP ahead of future electoral contests.
The Atiku camp, however, views the move as a coordinated attempt to hijack the party.
It warned that any unilateral control of the secretariat is unconstitutional and capable of deepening the crisis.
Some NWC members reportedly stayed away from the office during the takeover to avoid confrontation.
There were also concerns that the sudden shift in control could trigger legal battles or emergency meetings by opposing forces.
Security at the secretariat was tightened shortly after the Wike faction gained access, with police operatives stationed at major entry points to prevent clashes.
PDP’s deepened internal fractures
Though the environment remained calm, party staff appeared cautious, with many unsure which faction’s directives to follow.
Political analysts say the development reflects the PDP’s deepening internal fractures.
They noted that the party’s inability to resolve its leadership dispute since the 2023 election has emboldened competing power blocs.
They warn that unless the crisis is resolved promptly, the PDP risks further decline and weakened influence ahead of upcoming governorship and national elections.
As of press time, the party’s NEC had not issued a formal statement, but sources indicated that emergency consultations were underway.
The coming days are expected to determine whether Wike’s faction consolidates control or whether a broader pushback will force renewed negotiations within the opposition party.
