Police Occupy PDP HQ Amid Parallel Meetings

Armed police officers have reportedly taken control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja as two rival factions prepare to hold separate meetings at the same venue today, raising concerns about a potential clash.

The development comes amid a deepening internal crisis that has split the party into two major factions, both laying claim to control of the party’s decision-making process.

At the centre of the crisis is the battle over who holds the position of National Secretary, and who has the authority to convene or postpone the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was initially scheduled for today.

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum had announced a postponement of the NEC meeting after a recent consultation with the electoral commission chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu. In its place, he called for a stakeholders’ meeting, co-signed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu whose recognition as National Secretary has triggered resistance.

But a rival camp, led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, insists the NEC meeting must go ahead. They argue that the decision to hold the 100th NEC meeting was taken by the 99th, and cannot be unilaterally reversed by Damagum.

Mr Arapaja says the meeting will hold at 9:00am today at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, with or without Damagum’s consent. He is supported by several senior members, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who has warned that Anyanwu’s return could isolate the party’s South-East bloc, which favours Sunday Ude-Okoye for the secretary role.

Despite the controversy, Mr Anyanwu issued a separate invitation for an expanded National Caucus meeting scheduled for 2:00pm at the same venue. According to the PDP constitution, the National Caucus is an advisory body, while the NEC is the party’s highest decision-making organ after the National Convention.

The split has drawn clear lines between influential figures within the PDP. Those backing Mr Damagum include Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike; and former Kaduna State Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

The opposing faction, aligned with Mr Arapaja, includes BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, and other NWC members such as Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo and Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba.