Chaos Rocks PDP Headquarters As Rival Factions Clash Over Control Of Party’s Leadership Structure In Abuja [VIDEO]

 

Tension erupted at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday, November 3, as rival factions within the opposition party clashed over control of its leadership structure. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly spiraled into a chaotic scene at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, the party’s national secretariat, leaving security operatives scrambling to restore order.

Supporters loyal to the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the secretariat demanding the immediate resignation of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. They arrived in groups, waving placards and chanting solidarity songs that echoed through the premises, accusing Damagum and his National Working Committee (NWC) of mismanaging party affairs and undermining internal democracy.

One of the protesters, visibly angered by what he described as years of neglect and manipulation within the PDP, declared that the movement was out to reclaim the “soul of the party” from what he called a hijacked leadership. “We are here to take back our party. The era of impunity and manipulation is over. PDP belongs to the people, not to a few individuals who use it for personal gain,” he said amid cheers from fellow demonstrators.

The unrest marks the latest episode in the PDP’s deepening leadership crisis, which has fractured the once-dominant political force. Tensions have been brewing since last week when Abdulrahman was announced as the acting National Chairman after the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade. Both officials were suspended for one month over alleged misconduct, a move that further inflamed internal divisions.

While Abdulrahman’s camp insists that his elevation was in line with the party’s constitution and necessary to restore order, the Damagum-led NWC has rejected the process, describing it as illegal and politically motivated. According to sources within the secretariat, Damagum’s loyalists view Abdulrahman’s move as an attempt to stage a coup against the current leadership, further widening the rift within the PDP’s top hierarchy.

The situation took a dramatic turn when the Anyanwu-led faction, still claiming legitimacy, convened a separate meeting in Abuja. At that gathering, the group announced the suspension of Damagum and other members of the NWC, deepening the confrontation between rival camps. Both sides now accuse each other of illegitimacy, creating confusion about who truly leads the opposition party.

Security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were quickly deployed to the scene following reports of potential violence. Armed officers positioned themselves around the complex, barricading the entrance and preventing unauthorized access. Their presence, however, did little to calm the rising tension as members from both factions continued trading accusations, with some nearly coming to blows before security agents intervened.

Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as tense and charged with hostility. Some party members, fearing escalation, hurriedly vacated the premises, while others remained defiant, insisting they would not leave until their demands were met. The standoff lasted for several hours, disrupting normal activities at the secretariat and drawing the attention of passersby who gathered outside the building to watch the unfolding drama.

Political analysts view the crisis as a dangerous sign of growing instability within the PDP, especially as the party attempts to reposition itself ahead of future elections. Many observers argue that the leadership feud could weaken the party’s internal structure and alienate its supporters nationwide if not swiftly resolved.

Party insiders reveal that efforts are underway by some elders and members of the Board of Trustees to mediate between the warring factions. However, there is growing skepticism about whether such peace initiatives will succeed given the entrenched interests on both sides. The divisions appear to stem from long-standing grievances over control of party machinery and alleged manipulation of internal processes for political gain.

The chaos at Wadata Plaza underscores the broader challenges facing the PDP as it struggles to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress. With both factions claiming legitimacy, the party risks plunging into deeper confusion, possibly threatening its relevance in the country’s political landscape.

As night fell over the federal capital, the fate of the PDP’s leadership remained uncertain. Supporters of both camps vowed to continue pressing their claims, while security operatives maintained heavy presence at the secretariat to forestall any further outbreak of violence. The battle for the control of the PDP, once Nigeria’s most dominant political organization, has now entered a new phase marked by internal rebellion and power struggle that could determine the party’s future direction.