Abdulrahman Mohammed Takes Over as PDP Acting National Chairman Amidst Tight Security
Heavy security presence was observed on Monday morning at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed officially assumed office as the party’s Acting National Chairman.
Armed police officers and plain-clothes security operatives were stationed at strategic points around the PDP secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Garki, with movement into the premises heavily restricted.
The measure was taken amid heightened tension following a fresh round of leadership tussles within the party.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, who previously served as the PDP National Vice Chairman (North-Central), emerged as acting chairman after a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to Senator Samuel Anyanwu announced the suspension of the incumbent acting chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, alongside the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
In a swift reaction, loyalists of Damagum dismissed the suspension as unconstitutional, insisting that he remains the legitimate leader of the PDP in line with existing court pronouncements.
The Damagum camp reportedly declared counter-suspensions for Senator Anyanwu and some of his allies, deepening the crisis that has polarized the opposition party.
Addressing party members at the headquarters, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed pledged to restore unity and reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.
“We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our great party,” he said. “From being Nigeria’s ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to now spending more than a decade in opposition, it is time to rebuild, reconcile, and return the PDP to its rightful place as the voice of Nigerians.”
He also assured members that his leadership would prioritise reconciliation among warring factions and the organisation of a national convention to address internal grievances.
Sources at Wadata Plaza told reporters that police trucks, patrol vans, and barricades were seen along major access roads, preventing rival groups from clashing. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies maintained strict order throughout the day.
“The security presence was to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order,” one officer at the scene said. “We were directed to ensure peace because of intelligence reports about planned protests from rival camps.”
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been struggling with internal disputes since losing power in 2015. The current conflict reflects deeper divisions between regional power blocs and former governors who continue to exert influence over the party structure.
Political analysts say the leadership struggle could further weaken the party if not resolved swiftly. “What we are seeing is a continuation of power realignment ahead of 2027,” said Dr. Tunde Akinwale, a political analyst. “The PDP must urgently hold a convention and unify its ranks or risk further electoral decline.”
As of press time, Umar Damagum and his loyalists had yet to issue a formal statement on the day’s development. However, insiders suggest that court action or mediation by the Board of Trustees may be the next step in resolving the escalating crisis.
