Bauchi State Governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has blamed the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the actions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of arrogance, impunity, and an attempt to destroy the opposition ahead of 2027.
Speaking at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja—where two factions clashed over control of the headquarters—Mohammed alleged that Wike was working with the APC to destabilise the PDP and ensure it does not produce a presidential candidate in the next general election.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also weighed in, saying the current struggle is about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and protecting the principle of multiparty governance. He explained that his fallout with Wike stemmed from disagreements over party discipline and adherence to PDP rules.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the violent confrontation at the secretariat, describing it as a dangerous assault on democracy and an attempt by the ruling party to impose one-party dominance.
Factional Moves and Expulsions
The Wike-aligned faction of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) announced the expulsion of Governors Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, former BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Bode George, and others for alleged anti-party activities.
They also dissolved several state executives across Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti.
However, Bala Mohammed dismissed the faction as illegal, insisting that only the convention-backed leadership is recognised by INEC. He maintained that the Wike group has no authority to convene NEC or BoT meetings or operate from the national secretariat.
Chaos at the PDP Secretariat
Tension escalated when the Wike faction attempted to take over the PDP secretariat for parallel NEC and BoT meetings. Police deployed tear gas to disperse supporters as both groups struggled for control of the premises.
Governors Makinde and Mohammed, alongside newly elected chairman Kabiru Turaki and other NWC members, forced their way into the NEC hall and held their meeting despite the unrest.
When Wike arrived with a convoy, PDP leaders barricaded the entrance, preventing him from entering. The confrontation intensified, prompting additional police intervention.
At one point, Governor Bala Mohammed called on the international community, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to intervene to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
Official Reactions
Makinde reiterated that the battle is not personal but a defense of Nigeria’s multiparty system. He stressed that no individual can claim ownership of the PDP.
The ADC also accused the ruling APC government of sponsoring the violent takeover of the PDP secretariat, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the 2027 elections.
PDP NWC Responds
The Kabiru Turaki-led NWC thanked Nigerians for their support, stating that the use of force and intimidation by armed security operatives would not silence the opposition.
According to the PDP, over 200 tear-gas canisters were fired at its governors, NWC members, and peaceful supporters during the confrontation. The party warned that suppressing opposition is a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic future.
The NEC resolutions from the Wike-backed group included disciplinary actions, dissolution of state executives, and the appointment of Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman—moves rejected by the Turaki faction.
The PDP maintained that democracy can only survive when opposition parties operate freely without state-backed interference.
