A tense standoff is set to unfold in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as two rival factions plan separate meetings today at the party’s national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The Wike-aligned faction has scheduled an emergency Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting for 11:00 a.m., while the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) under National Chairman Kabiru Turaki plans its National Executive Committee (NEC) session at 2:00 p.m. — both at the same location. The overlap has raised fears of a direct clash.
Suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu told Arise TV that the Turaki-led faction had no right to the secretariat today, dismissing the Ibadan convention, where his suspension and other expulsions were announced, as a charade.
Security has been tightened around Wadata Plaza, with armoured vehicles and personnel deployed to prevent possible confrontations.
BoT Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, a Wike ally, rejected his expulsion from the party as illegitimate, insisting that only lawfully scheduled BoT and NEC sessions should proceed. “It is amusing for anyone to suggest that I, a founding father of the party, was expelled at a social gathering some are calling a convention,” Ohuabunwa said, recalling his presence at PDP’s historic 1998 founding meeting.
The Ibadan convention elected Turaki as National Chairman and Taofeek Arapaja as National Secretary. It also expelled Wike, Anyanwu, former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, ex-Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu over alleged anti-party activities. The motion was moved by former Deputy National Chairman (South) Bode George, seconded by Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Buga, and approved under the supervision of PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed.
Observers say the unfolding events highlight deepening divisions among PDP governors and executives. Both factions have assured members of security, but the overlapping meetings could spark a direct confrontation at Wadata Plaza today.
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