A faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has moved to take control of the PDP national secretariat.
Amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the party, the Wike-backed camp announced the appointment of Muhammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
The development followed recent suspensions within the party. The National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, had earlier suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other officials believed to be aligned with Wike.
In a counter move, the Wike faction announced the suspension of Damagum and several key officials, before naming Abdulrahman as Acting Chairman.
Speaking to journalists at the PDP office in the FCT, Abdulrahman said he had assumed the new role and was heading to the party’s national secretariat.
“We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members.
“From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to being an opposition party for over 10 years now, from being a formidable opposition to a now humbled one due to the unexplainable, unconscionable defections of governors, legislators and council chairmen,” he said.
“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through the mercy of God and the instrumentality of very critical stakeholders of this party.”
According to him, his mandate is to heal divisions, reunify the party and restore internal discipline.
Moments later, Abdulrahman proceeded to the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza to address supporters.
However, supporters of Damagum were also present at the premises, prompting a heavy police deployment to prevent a confrontation. At least ten police Hilux vehicles were seen stationed around the secretariat.