Breaking: Wike Blocks Govs Bala, Makinde at PDP's Secretariat as Tension Deepens
- A major crisis erupted at the PDP headquarters as rival factions clashed, and tear gas was fired
- Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde were blocked from entering the secretariat, prompting a tense standoff
- Wike’s arrival escalated the situation further as he blocked the governors’ motorcade amid ongoing factional disputes
A fresh crisis broke out on Tuesday, November 18, at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as rival factions of the party clashed, escalating the leadership tussle that has divided the party.
The confrontation involved the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who claims to be the acting National Chairman and is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Source: Twitter
Governors blocked as gates locked
The situation intensified when Bauchi state Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, arrived at the headquarters at about 10:45 a.m. to attend a scheduled meeting.
They met the main gates padlocked and were forced to enter the compound on foot, leaving their motorcades outside, Vanguard reported.
“As we arrived, we saw the gates locked. We had to walk in because this is our party and we have a right to be here,” a source close to the governors said.
Tear gas fired as factions clash
Efforts by the governors and their coordinators to gain access into the National Executive Committee (NEC) hall were marred by violence after supporters of one of the factions fired tear gas, leading to chaos at the secretariat.
Later, security personnel fired a series of tear gas cartridges to remove party supporters, journalists, as well as political thuggery who were already inside the compound.
“It was shocking. Tear gas was everywhere. People ran for safety,” a party staff member said.
The governors eventually gained entry into the compound with their vehicles after the initial disruption.
Wike blocks governors’ motorcade
At about 11:15 a.m., Wike arrived and positioned his vehicle to block the governors’ motorcade directly in front of the secretariat, further escalating the standoff.
A senior police officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Ishiaku Sharu, later intervened and ordered Governor Mohammed and his team to vacate the premises.
However, Governor Mohammed refused to leave unless Wike also vacated the premises.
“We will leave only if everyone, including Wike, leaves. This is a party space, not a private arena,” he reportedly said.
The governor then returned to the NWC hall after being informed that a meeting was ongoing inside.
Crisis deepens amid expulsion claims
Source: Getty Images
As of the time of filing this report, both governors and several party members remained inside the secretariat, while Wike stayed inside his car, parked directly in front of the building.
The crisis follows the announcement by the Bala-led faction at a meeting in Ibadan on Saturday, where Wike and several others were reportedly expelled from the PDP.
The party has not issued an official statement on the latest confrontation.
Analyst speaks out amid PDP drama
Reacting to this development, a political analyst, Hamma Hayatu, while speaking with Legit.ng on Tuesday, November 18, said:
"Nigeria can never be a one party state, anyone thinking about that is living in fools paradise. Tinubu will be opposed and very well and possibly removed from office, the crusade starts from 2026."
Taraba PDP chairman resigns
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the chairman of the PDP in Taraba state, Abubakar Bawa, resigned from his position and withdrew his membership from the party.
Bawa announced his resignation in a brief statement, thanking stakeholders for the opportunity to serve and wishing the party success in its future endeavours.
Although he did not provide reasons for his decision, party insiders say his exit may be linked to the rumoured defection of Governor Agbu Kefas to the APC.
Source: Legit.ng
