Breaking: Tension as Security Forces Flood PDP Headquarters following New Chairman's Resumption

• Heavy security operatives occupied the PDP headquarters in Abuja as Abdulrahman Mohammed resumed as acting national chairman
• The PDP crisis deepened after rival factions suspended top officials, escalating tensions within the party
• Key officials loyal to Damagun were absent as Mohammed vowed to restore order and keep the party united

Heavy security operatives on Monday, October 3 occupied the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as Abdulrahman Mohammed, former vice chairman (North Central), resumed office as the party’s acting national chairman.

Mohammed’s arrival followed an intense leadership tussle that has split the opposition party into factions, with rival suspensions and counter-suspensions issued across board.

Security presence at PDP complex heightens tension

Armed operatives were stationed around the PDP complex as Mohammed arrived with supporters, creating a charged atmosphere at Wadata Plaza.

Speaking briefly, Mohammed said he was assuming leadership “in line with party constitutional provisions” and the directive of the Samuel Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC).

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“The party must move forward. We cannot allow a leadership vacuum. I am here in an acting capacity to ensure PDP remains stable,” he told reporters.

PDP's leadership crisis deepens

The crisis escalated after the suspension of National Chairman Umar Damagun and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba by the Anyanwu-led faction of the NWC.

In retaliation, Damagun’s camp suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and other senior officers.

The rival actions plunged the party into deeper internal conflict, with both camps insisting they are constitutionally recognised.

PDP speaks on court orders to stop convention

In another development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would carry on with its plans for the national convention slated for Ibadan, Oyo state.

PDP's national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, vowed that preparations for the national convention would go on.

Damagun camp absent at headquarters

Notably, Damagun and key officials loyal to him were absent as Mohammed resumed duties at the headquarters.

Mohammed maintained that the move was necessary to protect the party’s structure and prepare for upcoming political challenges.

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“We will restore order. The PDP is bigger than individuals. Our members nationwide want stability, and that is what we will deliver.”

PDP: Call for unity amid chaos

Mohammed urged party loyalists to remain calm and united, promising that due process would guide all decisions.

“This party has survived storms before. We will come out stronger. We urge members to remain committed to the PDP,” he added.

With both factions standing firm, the future of the PDP’s national leadership remains uncertain as the internal struggle intensifies.

PDP explains reasons governors are defecting to APC

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that PDP accused defecting governors of greed and betrayal, saying their actions are driven by personal ambition rather than genuine political conviction.

The party's leaders insisted that defections will not derail preparations for the Ibadan national convention, describing the exit of governors as “good riddance to bad rubbish”.

Professor Udenta O. Udenta further branded defecting governors as “cowardly and gutless,” arguing that their actions threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Source: Legit.ng