PDP crisis deepens: Makinde, Saraki meet as FCTA seals HQ

DDM News

Top leaders of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gathered in a tense closed-door session on Monday amid a developing crisis surrounding the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the meeting, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, was attended by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, among others.

This high-level gathering forms part of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus meeting series.

It came just hours after officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters over alleged non-payment of ground rent dues.

The dramatic sealing of the secretariat has triggered widespread concerns among party stakeholders and fueled internal debates about the leadership and direction of the party.

Sources within the party say the closure of the headquarters may be linked to deepening tensions between the PDP and the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State under the PDP, has in recent weeks openly declared his intent to “fight for justice” within the party.

This bold stance has been widely interpreted as an effort to assert his influence within the PDP, particularly as it battles internal fractures following the 2023 general elections.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), which had scheduled a crucial meeting at the now-sealed secretariat, was forced to relocate the session to Legacy House, the party’s presidential campaign office in Maitama.

Party insiders revealed that the leadership is deeply unsettled by the FCTA’s actions, which they view as politically motivated.

Several PDP officials who spoke on condition of anonymity accused Wike of using his ministerial position to destabilize the party from within.

While Wike remains a member of the PDP, his closeness to President Bola Tinubu’s administration has sparked accusations of dual loyalty.

Since being appointed FCT Minister by a president from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike has faced criticism for allegedly working against his party’s interests.

The closure of the PDP headquarters adds to the growing list of internal problems facing the opposition party.

From unresolved leadership tussles to regional disagreements and now an eviction from its traditional power base, the PDP appears to be grappling with a full-blown organizational crisis.

Political observers say Monday’s emergency caucus meeting is a clear indication that the PDP’s survival may depend on immediate reconciliation efforts and stronger leadership consensus.

The exclusion of journalists from the meeting further underscores the sensitivity of the issues being discussed.

Though details of the discussions remain under wraps, expectations are high that a formal statement may be issued in the coming days.

Analysts argue that if the party fails to manage this crisis internally, it could suffer deeper electoral setbacks and possibly more high-profile defections.

Since losing the presidency in 2015, the PDP has struggled to regain national dominance, with internal strife and strategic miscalculations undermining its efforts.

Calls are mounting within the party for urgent reforms, and Monday’s meeting may be a turning point if leaders can agree on a new roadmap.

As of press time, efforts to reach FCTA officials for comments on the sealing action were unsuccessful.

However, government sources insist the measure was purely administrative and had no political undertones.

Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have reacted with mixed views, with many questioning the timing of the FCTA’s action and its potential implications for democracy.

The PDP, which once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape for 16 years, is now at a crossroads.

Whether it emerges stronger or weaker from this crisis depends largely on the outcome of these closed-door deliberations and the choices its leaders make moving forward.

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