Two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are again in conflict following plans by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reopen the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The Wike-backed faction announced that it would reopen the party’s headquarters at Wadata Plaza on Monday. However, the faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), strongly opposed the move and warned that it could lead to violence.

The party’s national secretariat was sealed by the police on November 19, 2025, after a violent clash between the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and another group led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who claims to be the acting national chairman. Since then, the building has remained closed to both factions.

After a recent meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties, the Wike faction said it was preparing to return to the secretariat. The group was allowed into the INEC meeting based on an interim court order.

Speaking on the development, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who claims to be the acting national secretary, said the secretariat was locked because of earlier violence. He explained that the police sealed the building and that efforts by the rival faction to reopen it through the court failed.

According to Anyanwu, the court dismissed the case filed by the other faction, and as a result, his group plans to take over the office on Monday.

He insisted that there are no factions in the PDP and said the party is currently under the leadership of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee. He also said this was why they represented the party at the INEC meeting.

INEC’s recognition of the caretaker committee was welcomed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed. He said the commission’s decision to respect a valid court order would help restore stability and proper leadership within the party.

Mohammed called on party members to set aside their differences and work together to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said internal disputes should not distract the party from offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

Meanwhile, the Wike-backed faction has reportedly begun plans to screen party staff at the national secretariat, with the possibility of replacing those considered compromised.

The faction has also announced the appointment of caretaker committees in several states, including Zamfara, Oyo, Bauchi, Yobe, Plateau and Kano. This move has further deepened tensions, especially in states where governors and party leaders oppose Wike’s influence

Party sources revealed that two PDP governors, one from the North and one from the South, may be considering alternative political platforms in case they lose ongoing legal battles within the party.

In response, the Turaki-led faction warned the police not to allow the Wike group access to the secretariat. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the matter is still before the courts and that any attempt to occupy the building would amount to self-help and contempt of court.

He stressed that the case is pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal, and warned that granting access to any faction before judgment is delivered would be unlawful.

The Turaki faction also criticised INEC for recognising the caretaker committee, saying the commission has no power to choose the leadership of the PDP. The group said the issues are still before the Court of Appeal and urged party members to remain calm while awaiting final judgments.

According to the faction, the PDP will overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger and more united as a credible opposition party.