The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is engulfed in a profound leadership crisis, marked by a dramatic power struggle at its national headquarters in Abuja. Heavy security forces, including numerous police operatives in Hilux vans, were deployed to Wadata Plaza, the party's secretariat, as rival factions vied for control, leading to an atmosphere of intense tension and potential clashes.

At the heart of this turmoil is the emergence of Mohammed Abdulrahman, who has been appointed as the acting national chairman by a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move represents a direct challenge to the authority of the previously established Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC). Abdulrahman, formerly the PDP's Vice Chairman for North Central, officially resumed his role, addressing supporters at the party’s FCT office before moving to the national secretariat.

The crisis escalated through a series of retaliatory suspensions. The Damagum-led NWC had initially suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and other officials perceived to be loyal to Wike, including Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature, citing alleged anti-party activities. In a swift counter-move, the Wike-backed faction announced the suspension of Damagum and other key members of his NWC, subsequently declaring Abdulrahman as the acting chairman.

Upon resuming office, Mohammed Abdulrahman outlined a clear agenda to address the party's deep-seated issues. He pledged to "heal the party’s wounds, end factionalisation, and make the PDP law-abiding again." His three-point agenda further includes repositioning the party for discipline and relevance, and organizing an all-inclusive national convention to elect a substantive National Working Committee. Abdulrahman emphasized the need for unity and adherence to the party's constitution at all levels, promising to restore the PDP to its founding vision and "hand this beloved party back to her true owners, the Nigerian people." He also announced that consultations were underway to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The roots of this internal dispute trace back to the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, with the party fragmenting into major factions. A significant point of contention is the PDP’s forthcoming national convention, initially scheduled for November 15 and 16. The Wike-led faction argues against holding the convention, asserting that the party has failed to conduct valid state congresses, a constitutional prerequisite. This dispute led to a Federal High Court order in Abuja, which halted the planned convention, citing violations of the Nigerian Constitution, INEC guidelines, and the PDP Constitution if state congresses were not properly held. While Wike and his loyalists celebrated this ruling, the Damagum-led PDP leadership has vowed to appeal the judgment.

The day Abdulrahman assumed office was marked by chaos and heavy police presence. Accompanied by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and a crowd of chanting supporters, Abdulrahman gained entry to the national secretariat. Reports indicated confrontations with some staff members who reportedly attempted to block access to offices, with security operatives deploying tear gas to disperse agitated workers. Despite the tension, Abdulrahman and his team proceeded to an office within the building, holding a brief closed-door meeting and symbolically taking over leadership. As of reporting, the mainstream Damagum faction had not officially responded, and the PDP Governors’ Forum and Board of Trustees remained silent, underscoring the severe and ongoing nature of the party’s leadership crisis.