PDP Showdown: Makinde, Bala & Turaki Reclaim Secretariat — Pro-Wike Faction Ousted in Dramatic Power Play
A major power shift occurred at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja this week as Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), and newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), moved to reassert control, forcing out a breakaway faction aligned with Nyesom Wike. What started as a show of force by the Wike-aligned group, led by Senator Sam Anyanwu, quickly gave way to a decisive response from the PDP mainstream, marking a turning point in the party’s internal crisis.
The Standoff at Wadata Plaza
On Tuesday, tension escalated at Wadata Plaza — the PDP’s national headquarters — when pro-Wike supporters, reportedly organized by Senator Sam Anyanwu, attempted to stage a video at the secretariat, signaling that they controlled the party. Their move was met with swift resistance. Within hours, Governor Makinde, Governor Bala, and Chairman Turaki arrived at the premises to confront them. Security operatives intervened, removed the dissenting group, and arrested several members who had to be taken in for questioning.
This dramatic reversal came after Turaki wrote to the FCT Police Commissioner, alerting him of plans by expelled party members to disrupt the secretariat. The heightened police presence underscored how fragile the party’s peace truly is.
In a subsequent statement, Turaki made it clear there was no legitimate faction within the PDP — only “those who are no longer members” attempting to sow chaos. He also announced that the inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) and stakeholder meeting, originally set for Tuesday, would be postponed to Wednesday, November 19, at Wadata House.
A Broader Realignment: Purge of Wike-Aligned Leaders
This showdown isn’t happening in a vacuum. Just days earlier, at the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and veteran leader Bode George spearheaded a motion to expel key Wike allies — including Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose. The expulsions have deepened a schism that’s been growing for months.
The rift between Makinde and Wike has been a recurring theme in PDP’s internal struggles. According to reports, Wike publicly accused Makinde of betrayal, claiming broken promises and undermined agreements. Now, with Makinde’s backing of Turaki, the governor is positioning himself as a stabilizer — someone who can rebuild the party and reassert its democratic values.
Turaki’s New Mandate: Discipline, Unity & Reform
Turaki’s emergence as PDP National Chairman was contentious but clearly intentional. At the convention in Ibadan, his election was framed as a vote for reconciliation and structural reform, not just a change of guard. In his acceptance speech, Turaki vowed the “era of impunity” was over, promising to rebuild trust, enforce discipline, and make sure the party truly listens to its base.
In a recent address, he reaffirmed his commitment to party accountability and pledged to reach out to aggrieved members, saying, “we shall open our ears wide … what you want is what we shall give you.” He also warned that anyone trying to derail the party’s process would be resisted — even if it means defending the secretariat physically.
The Fallout from Expulsions
The expulsions remain a focal point of contention. While Makinde and Bala championed them at the convention, some governors quickly distanced themselves from the decision. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) publicly rejected the motion, calling it hastily made and lacking wider consultation.
To complicate matters, the Wike-aligned faction has not backed down. On Monday, they issued a notice for an emergency Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, set for November 18, at the same Wadata Plaza. The defiant move suggests that they intend to challenge this new leadership — potentially sparking parallel structures and prolonged legal battles.
What This Means for PDP & Nigeria’s Political Future
This power play is more than internal party drama — it’s a signal that the PDP is at a crossroad. Turaki, Makinde, and Bala clearly think the path forward lies in a strong, unified leadership, reinforced by discipline and new blood. Whether they can successfully reconcile expelled members and bring them back into the fold remains to be seen.
At the same time, Turaki’s bold promise to root out impunity may resonate with disillusioned Nigerians who’ve watched party infighting disrupt governance. If handled well, it could be a genuine reset — but if the Wike faction continues to resist, it could also fuel further division.
For now, the PDP’s fate is caught in a high-stakes battle between continuity and change, power and principle.
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