The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged deeper into turmoil on Monday as competing factions aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike scheduled simultaneous National Executive Committee meetings at the party's Abuja headquarters.
Convention Fallout Sparks Power Struggle
The political confrontation follows Saturday's contentious national convention in Ibadan, which resulted in the establishment of a new National Working Committee and the expulsion of several prominent Wike loyalists. Despite these expulsions, associates of the former Rivers State governor proceeded to summon an emergency NEC and Board of Trustees meeting at Wadata Plaza, the party's national secretariat.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who signed the meeting notice, maintained the session was compulsory and would address critical party matters. This move directly challenges the authority of the newly elected leadership under National Chairman Tanimu Turaki.
Police Intervention Sought
In a preemptive action, Turaki visited the Nigeria Police Force headquarters on Monday to alert authorities about potential disruptions from what he termed "expelled elements" attempting to interfere with party operations. The newly installed chairman emphasized that the Wike faction had forfeited all legitimacy following the Ibadan convention.
"We met with the Commissioner of Police concerning our planned meeting tomorrow, which will be the inaugural session of our National Working Committee," Turaki stated. "After divine authority, the national convention represents the highest decision-making body. Those expelled are no longer members, and we aim to prevent any breach of peace."
Turaki characterized any group attempting to operate from the party secretariat outside the recognized leadership as "interlopers" without standing.
Party Elders Take Sides
The crisis has drawn reactions from senior party figures, with Chief Bode George declaring the emergency meetings called by Anyanwu completely illegitimate. "Anyanwu has been expelled. He's attempting to create a parallel party structure. He should return to his village," the PDP national leader asserted.
The Ibadan convention saw participation from several key PDP governors, including Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, alongside host governor Seyi Makinde. The gathering resulted in the expulsion of Wike, Anyanwu, acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, and other prominent figures.
Since the convention, both factions have issued competing statements and invitations, revealing a comprehensive power struggle for control of the PDP's organizational framework. The deepening rift threatens to further fragment Nigeria's main opposition party ahead of crucial electoral contests.
The turmoil has already claimed casualties, with Abubakar Bawa, the PDP chairman in Taraba State, announcing his resignation from the party on Monday. Bawa cited the national leadership crisis and ongoing litigation as primary reasons for his departure, confirming his resignation took immediate effect from November 17.
