PDP Faction Slams Police for 'Contemptuous' Unsealing of National Secretariat Amid Leadership Crisis

PDP Faction Slams Police for 'Contemptuous' Unsealing of National Secretariat Amid Leadership Crisis

By Kim Joshua Dahwol 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigeria Police Force for unsealing its Wadata Plaza secretariat in Abuja, accusing the police of partisan interference and showing blatant disregard for the judiciary amidst ongoing leadership disputes within the party. In a detailed statement released on April 11, 2026, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, speaking on behalf of the faction led by Senator Kabiru Turaki, described the police action as “contemptuous” and accused the force of facilitating a takeover by individuals allegedly aligned with the federal government and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are masquerading as PDP members.

The party's leadership expressed deep disappointment over the police’s decision, emphasizing that the action was a clear violation of a pending appeal against a Federal High Court judgment delivered in March 2026 by Judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The court had explicitly restrained the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) from accessing the party’s secretariat and had ordered security agencies to provide protection to the rival faction led by Nyesom Wike. Despite this, the police proceeded to unseal the premises, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process and the impartiality of law enforcement agencies involved.

The PDP pointed out that the secretariat had been under seal since November 2025, a situation that arose amid escalating internal conflicts over party leadership. The faction led by Nyesom Wike had been asserting control over the party’s headquarters, citing court rulings and legal proceedings that supported their position. On April 11, the police reopened the secretariat, this time handing control over to the Wike-backed National Working Committee, which is led by Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and Samuel Anyanwu. The police justified their action by stating that they were acting in accordance with the court’s directives and that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with judicial orders.

The Turaki faction responded to the police’s intervention by calling on members and supporters to remain peaceful and to pursue their grievances through legal channels. They urged their followers to remain calm and to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the legal process. The faction expressed hope that justice would ultimately be served and that the perceived persecution, which they believe is sponsored or influenced by external forces aiming to weaken the party, would come to an end.

This incident underscores the ongoing political and legal struggles within the PDP, reflecting the intense rivalry and factionalism that have characterized the party's recent history. The controversy surrounding the control of the party’s headquarters highlights the broader issues of judicial independence, law enforcement neutrality, and the influence of political actors on internal party disputes. As the situation continues to unfold, many observers are watching closely to see how these developments will impact the party’s unity and its overall political trajectory in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.