The leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), escalated dramatically on Monday. Security personnel sealed both the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House in Abuja shortly after Abdulrahman Mohammed assumed office as Acting National Chairman.

Heavily armed police officers stormed the Wadata Plaza headquarters in the early hours. They ordered staff and journalists to vacate the premises before locking all access gates. Security personnel maintained strategic positions around the building, preventing entry attempts.

Soon after, additional security forces sealed the Legacy House in Maitama. This building serves as headquarters for the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee. The lockdown effectively halted all administrative operations at both key opposition party centers.

Leadership Dispute Sparks Nationwide Concern

The unexpected security clampdown triggered nationwide panic among PDP members. This development came hours after Mohammed’s controversial emergence as Acting Chairman. His appointment has widened existing rifts within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

A senior party insider revealed the security deployment aimed to prevent violent clashes between rival factions. Mohammed’s appointment reportedly followed intense negotiations. He enjoys backing from an NWC bloc loyal to a former South-South governor.

Mohammed’s supporters accused the previous leadership of authoritarianism. They pledged to restore stability before the 2027 elections. However, loyalists of suspended leaders dismissed his appointment as illegal. They maintain Umar Damagum remains the legitimate Acting Chairman.

Staff Walkout Amid Mounting Tensions

Later on Monday, PDP staff staged a walkout from the national secretariat. They expressed deep frustration over the leadership crisis. Workers carried placards describing the situation as “total confusion.” They vowed not to return until party leadership clarifies the situation.

At the time of reporting, both secretariats remained locked under tight security surveillance. Reliable sources indicate rival factions are holding emergency meetings at undisclosed Abuja locations. These gatherings aim to determine next steps and explore reconciliation possibilities.