Wike's PDP Faction Seizes Abuja Secretariat Amid Crisis

On November 18, 2023, a faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike took control of the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. This action followed the unsealing of the facility by the Nigeria Police, amidst a prolonged leadership crisis within the party.

The takeover was confirmed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who leads the National Working Committee (NWC) aligned with Wike. The faction, which includes Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, issued a warning against any actions that could lead to violence or disruption.

They expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police's commitment to upholding the rule of law and acknowledged the role of PDP leaders in guiding the party's affairs. This move reflects the ongoing tensions within the PDP, particularly following a court ruling on March 9 that favored Wike's camp, nullifying decisions made at the party's November 16 national convention in Ibadan.