ABUJA — Tension reached a boiling point at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat on Monday, February 9, 2026, as rival factions issued conflicting directives over a planned “takeover” of the party’s headquarters, Wadata Plaza.
The latest crisis pits supporters of a faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) against a group led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, which is widely believed to be backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The dispute centers on which leadership body holds the legal mandate to occupy the office following the controversial National Convention held in Ibadan in late 2025.
The ‘Illegitimate’ Takeover Warning
In a strongly worded statement released Monday morning, Hon. Nwafor Richard Nwali, an official aligned with the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), warned Anyanwu and his “cohorts” against any attempt to forcefully or illegitimately enter the secretariat.
“Anyanwu and his cohorts have threatened to illegitimately take over the PDP National Secretariat,” Nwali stated. “Any harm to PDP properties across the nation will be held against them. All citizens, law enforcement, and the media are advised to take note of this unruly behaviour from individuals previously expelled at the Ibadan PDP National Convention.”
Nwali maintained that the party remains “indomitable” despite the internal friction, insisting that those attempting the takeover were officially stripped of their membership during the November 2025 convention for anti-party activities.
The Wike-Anyanwu Counter-Claim
Conversely, the Anyanwu-led group argues that the Ibadan convention was a “nullity” and that they remain the authentic custodians of the party’s mandate. This faction has reportedly sought to “reopen” the plaza, which has been under police seal since November 19, 2025, following a series of violent clashes between loyalists of the two camps.
A Party in Fragments
The battle for Wadata Plaza is the latest chapter in a broader fragmentation of the nation’s main opposition:
- Defections to APC: The delay in resolving this crisis has already seen heavyweights like Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and several Northern governors defect to the APC.
- The ADC Alternative: Other key figures, including former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, have abandoned the PDP entirely, citing the “long-standing crisis” as the reason for joining the ADC-led coalition.
Security and Judicial Watch
As of midday Monday, heavily armed personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Civil Defence have maintained a strict perimeter around Wadata Plaza to prevent a physical confrontation. Legal experts note that the dispute is currently before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court, the same judge presiding over the terrorism financing trial of Abubakar Malami.
The outcome of this standoff is seen as critical for the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that if the PDP cannot secure its own front door, its ability to challenge the staggering ₦152 trillion national debt or the rising cost of petrol will be non-existent.
