Chaos Erupts at PDP Headquarters: Wike, Makinde, and Bala Mohammed Locked in Fierce Battle for Control

Chaos Erupts at PDP Headquarters: Wike, Makinde, and Bala Mohammed Locked in Fierce Battle for Control

In the heart of Abuja’s political arena, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat at Wadata Plaza turned into a battlefield on November 18, 2025. What started as a routine power struggle escalated into a chaotic confrontation involving Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Tear gas canisters flew, security operatives scuffled, and rival factions vied for dominance in a spectacle that has left Nigeria’s main opposition party reeling. This dramatic clash underscores the deepening fissures within the PDP, threatening its cohesion ahead of crucial national elections. ( Sahara Reporters )

The Spark: A Brewing Leadership Crisis

The PDP has been no stranger to internal turmoil since its devastating loss in the 2023 general elections. Factions have proliferated, with loyalties divided between anti-establishment reformers and entrenched power brokers. At the center of this storm is the position of National Secretary, a role pivotal to the party’s administrative backbone.

Samuel Anyanwu, the incumbent National Secretary aligned with Wike, has staunchly defended his tenure, claiming it extends until December 8, 2025.  On the opposing side, Taofeek Arapaja emerged as the “newly elected” National Secretary during a contentious national convention earlier this year, backed by a coalition of governors pushing for fresh leadership.  This dual claim to the same office set the stage for Tuesday’s showdown.

Wike, a former Rivers State governor and one of President Bola Tinubu’s most vocal allies despite his PDP roots, has been accused by critics of orchestrating a “coup” within the party to install loyalists.  His faction, often dubbed the “Wike camp,” includes high-profile figures like former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, and controls key state chapters. In contrast, Makinde and Bala represent the “G5 governors” – a group of PDP leaders from the Southeast and North who have historically clashed with the party’s national leadership over zoning and equity issues.

Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as pandemonium. Governor Makinde arrived at the secretariat around midday, flanked by Bala Mohammed and a phalanx of supporters chanting pro-reform slogans. They were met by Wike’s entourage, who had barricaded the entrance with private security details. What followed was a tense standoff that quickly devolved into fisticuffs among aides and a barrage of tear gas from police units caught in the crossfire.  Videos circulating on social media captured the frenzy: canisters exploding in the air, party loyalists shoving each other, and sirens wailing as reinforcements arrived.

Key Players and Their Stakes

Nyesom Wike, now a cabinet member in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, remains a PDP powerhouse through his influence in the oil-rich South-South region. His bold moves, including alleged backchannel deals with the presidency, have irked PDP purists who view him as a defector undermining the opposition.  During the clash, Wike reportedly stood firm beside Anyanwu, refusing to budge even as Makinde’s group attempted to force entry.

Governor Seyi Makinde, the youthful and tech-savvy leader of Oyo State, has positioned himself as a bridge-builder within the PDP. As chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, he champions fiscal federalism and youth inclusion. His alliance with Bala Mohammed, a seasoned northern politician known for his fiery oratory, amplifies their bid to wrest control from what they call “Wike’s puppets.”  Bala, in particular, has been vocal about perceived marginalization of northern interests in PDP decisions, making this clash a proxy war for regional dominance.

The involvement of Atiku Abubakar’s camp, through figures like Dino Melaye and the Turaki group, added another layer. They reportedly sided with Makinde and Bala, chasing Wike’s faction out temporarily before counter-moves ensued.  Gunshots were even rumored in the melee, though unconfirmed by official police statements.

Escalation: Expulsions and Retaliations

In a swift counterpunch, the Wike-led faction announced the expulsion of Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and PDP Board of Trustees member Bode George.  The decree, issued from a parallel PDP office, also dissolved several state executives deemed disloyal. This move, decried as “illegal” by the Makinde camp, has only fueled the fire, with calls for intervention from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Party elders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the violence, urging restraint to avoid “irreparable damage” to the PDP’s image. Social media erupted with reactions, from memes mocking the “free-for-all” to serious analyses questioning the party’s viability as an opposition force.

BBC Pidgin captured the sentiment: “Kasala burst for PDP secretariat as two faction clash,” highlighting the raw, unfiltered drama.

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Implications for Nigerian Politics

This secretariat siege is more than a scuffle; it’s a symptom of the PDP’s existential crisis. With the 2027 elections looming, a fractured opposition could hand President Tinubu an unchallenged path to re-election. Analysts warn that if unresolved, the rift might spawn breakaway groups, diluting the PDP’s 13 million-strong voter base.

Neutrality of security forces has also come under scrutiny. Reports suggest police favored Wike’s side initially, prompting accusations of federal interference. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba called for an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, but with factions at odds, even that seems improbable.

As the dust settles – or doesn’t – one thing is clear: Nigerian politics thrives on such high-stakes drama. Will this clash forge a stronger, unified PDP, or mark the beginning of its unraveling? Only time, and perhaps another round of tear gas, will tell.