PDP Crisis Escalates as Rival Factions Prepare for Showdown
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading toward a major confrontation today as two competing power blocs within the opposition party have scheduled conflicting meetings at the same venue and time. The deepening crisis threatens to consume two state governors and several senior party officials who may be forced to leave the party entirely.
Parallel Meetings Spark Security Concerns
One faction, led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and backed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, and another faction supporting Dr Kabiru Turaki as National Chairman are both planning to hold meetings at the party's national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The simultaneous gatherings have raised serious concerns about potential security breaches and physical confrontation between the groups.
In a dramatic move highlighting the tension, Dr Kabiru Turaki, who emerged as chairman from Saturday's controversial convention in Ibadan, visited the FCT Commissioner of Police on Monday to request protection for himself and members of his National Working Committee (NWC).
Turaki described a parallel notice issued by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu convening NEC and Board of Trustees meetings as a "deliberate attempt to cause confusion" within the party. He asserted that those behind the counter-meeting had been expelled during the Ibadan convention and were no longer party members.
High-Profile Resignation and Expulsions
The crisis has already claimed a significant casualty with former Kaduna State Governor Muhammadu Makarfi resigning as Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT). In his resignation letter addressed to BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Makarfi cited the principle that the National Chairman and BoT Secretary should not come from the same geopolitical zone.
The Wike-aligned faction is preparing emergency BoT and NEC meetings that are expected to consider strong disciplinary measures against leaders in the Makinde-Turaki camp. Multiple party sources indicate that Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have been shortlisted for sanctions, with expulsion being a possible outcome.
This move comes as a direct response to the Ibadan convention's expulsion of 11 high-profile party members, including Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu.
Battle for Party Control Intensifies
Turaki has vowed that his NWC will take control of Wadata Plaza, declaring that "Anyone sitting there without our consent is an interloper." He emphasized his committee's readiness to "lay down our lives" to defend the party and Nigeria's democracy, while confirming that police had assured adequate security for their meeting.
Meanwhile, the rival faction has formally announced their BoT meeting for 11am and NEC meeting for 2.00pm today, with the notice being amplified by Wike's media aide, Lere Olayinka. The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation that could determine the future direction of Nigeria's main opposition party.
During his acceptance speech in Ibadan, Turaki had promised an end to impunity and suppression of Nigerians' will while appealing to the judiciary to uphold stare decisis principles and avoid actions that could be interpreted as attempts to truncate Nigerian democracy.
