The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Monday as the National Working Committee (NWC) aligned with Nyesom Wike commenced renovation work at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
Journalists who monitored developments at the PDP headquarters located in Zone 5 of the Federal Capital Territory observed active renovation activities within the premises, even as party staff members were yet to resume official duties.
The development comes shortly after the police unsealed the secretariat, granting access to the faction believed to be loyal to Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure within the party’s internal power struggle.
Physical changes were already evident at the complex, as barricades previously mounted around the main building had been removed. However, a security presence remained visible, with several police vehicles stationed within the premises and officers deployed to maintain order and prevent possible disruptions.
Sources within the party confirmed that renovation work began on Sunday, signaling a swift move by the Wike-backed leadership to assert control over the party’s administrative headquarters.
A party member, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation, disclosed that the ongoing work involves a comprehensive overhaul of the facility. According to the source, the renovation includes repainting sections of the building, replacing air conditioning units, changing locks and keys in various offices, and reallocating office spaces to members of the newly constituted NWC.
“The staff members of the party’s national secretariat are yet to resume, but the renovation works started yesterday (Sunday),” the source said.
He added that the changes being implemented suggest an effort to reorganize the operational structure of the secretariat in line with the interests of the current leadership faction.
“The ongoing renovation works include painting, replacing air conditioners, changing locks and keys in offices, as well as reallocating offices to members of the new National Working Committee (NWC),” the source explained.
Despite the visible activity at the secretariat, no official resumption by staff had been recorded as of the time of filing this report. This has raised concerns about the functionality of the party’s administrative machinery amid the ongoing leadership tussle.
The source further noted that the situation could create challenges for staff members perceived to be loyal to the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki. According to him, such individuals may find it difficult to return to work under the current circumstances, potentially deepening divisions within the party’s workforce.
“However, I think the challenge now is that some staff members loyal to the Tanimu Turaki–led NWC may find it difficult to come and resume here,” he added.
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions in recent months, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership structure. The crisis has led to disputes over control of party assets, including the national secretariat, and has raised concerns among stakeholders about the party’s unity ahead of future elections.
The latest development follows an announcement made on Saturday by the faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who declared the reopening of the PDP national secretariat. He also confirmed the reopening of the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House, located in Maitama, Abuja.
The reopening of these facilities is widely seen as part of broader efforts by the Wike-aligned faction to consolidate its position within the party and re-establish administrative control over key structures.
Political observers say the renovation and reallocation of offices could further intensify the ongoing leadership struggle, particularly if rival factions contest the legitimacy of the actions being taken.
There are also concerns that the continued presence of security personnel at the secretariat reflects the fragile nature of the situation, with authorities likely seeking to prevent clashes between opposing groups.
As the crisis unfolds, party members and political analysts are closely watching how the leadership dispute will be resolved, especially given its potential implications for the PDP’s stability and electoral prospects.
The absence of staff resumption, coupled with ongoing structural changes at the secretariat, underscores the uncertainty surrounding the party’s administrative operations. It remains unclear when normal activities will resume or how the competing factions will reconcile their differences.
For now, the renovation of Wadata Plaza stands as a visible symbol of the deepening divisions within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, as competing interests continue to shape the future direction of the PDP.
