Wike, Bala Mohammed, Makinde clash at PDP Secretariat in Abuja

Report on the Clash at PDP Secretariat in Abuja

On November 18, 2025, a violent confrontation erupted at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. The incident involved rival factions led by prominent figures including Nyesom Wike, Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Makinde. The clash highlighted deepening divisions within the party and raised concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Background

The PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has been grappling with internal disputes over leadership and legitimacy. The crisis intensified when the faction loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde elected Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as National Chairman. This decision was contested by another faction led by Mohammed Abdulrahman, which had already taken control of the secretariat earlier that morning.

The Incident

The confrontation began around 7:30 a.m. when Abdulrahman’s faction locked out Makinde’s camp from the secretariat. By 11:00 a.m., Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde arrived with supporters to assert their faction’s authority and escort Turaki into the complex. At the time, Abdulrahman’s faction was holding a Board of Trustees meeting inside the premises.

The arrival of Makinde and Mohammed sparked chaos as thugs from both camps surged toward the entrance. Policemen deployed to the scene fired teargas to disperse the crowd, but the situation quickly escalated into fistfights at the gates. Journalists covering the event became unintended casualties, with one reporter struck on the head and television equipment destroyed.

Reactions and Statements

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki accused the rival faction of orchestrating the violence and announced the postponement of his faction’s inaugural National Working Committee meeting to November 19. He praised the police for their protection but condemned the use of teargas. Turaki also called for international attention, urging U.S. President Donald Trump and the global community to intervene, claiming that democracy in Nigeria was under threat.

Meanwhile, Wike’s faction mocked Makinde and Turaki’s supporters for their temporary withdrawal, describing it as a “retreat from battle.” The standoff underscored the intensity of the divisions within the PDP, with both camps refusing to concede legitimacy.

Consequences

The violent clash left journalists injured, equipment destroyed, and party meetings aborted. The national secretariat remained under heavy security watch as tensions persisted. The incident raised fears of a one-party drift in Nigeria, as internal crises within the PDP could weaken its ability to function as a viable opposition.

Let’s Take A Break Here

The clash at the PDP Secretariat in Abuja reflects the deep fractures within the party and the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic institutions. 

The involvement of high-profile figures such as Wike, Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Makinde underscores the stakes of the conflict. With both factions unwilling to compromise, the crisis threatens to destabilize the PDP further and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s political system.