The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday as the party’s Vice Chairman (Northcentral), Abdulrahman Mohammed, assumed control of the Wadata Plaza National Secretariat in Abuja, declaring himself Acting National Chairman.

Mohammed, who arrived at the secretariat with his supporters, was received by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and led on a tour of offices. His emergence followed Friday’s declaration by a faction of the party naming him acting chairman after a wave of suspensions and counter-suspensions within the National Working Committee (NWC).

Mohammed is aligned with Anyanwu’s faction in the ongoing leadership tussle against Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the embattled National Chairman. The crisis escalated after the Federal High Court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which invalidated the planned November 15–16 National Convention and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise any convention outcome held in breach of party rules.

Tension flared at the secretariat as some staff members loyal to Damagum attempted to remove Anyanwu and his team from the premises. Police officers swiftly intervened, dispersing staff and visitors before locking down the main gate to prevent further clashes.

Addressing reporters, Mohammed said his assumption of office marked “a new dawn” for the PDP.

“Today is a good day for the PDP family across Nigeria,” he said. “I am here as Acting National Chairman, and under my leadership, I will unite all members under one umbrella. The PDP is bigger than any individual. Together, we will rebuild and reclaim power in 2027.”

He pledged to engage party stakeholders nationwide to heal divisions, strengthen structures in all 36 states and the FCT, and restore confidence in the opposition party.

“By 2027, power will return to the PDP,” Mohammed declared. “We are reviewing our constitution to ensure all organs function effectively and internal democracy is restored.”

However, a pressure group within the party, “PDP Patriots,” condemned Mohammed’s action, describing it as unlawful and pledging loyalty to Damagum.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Mike Omeri, said Mohammed’s self-proclamation was “an affront to party order.”

“It is curious that a suspended member would turn around to declare himself National Chairman,” Omeri said. “We dissociate ourselves from these actions and call on the Board of Trustees (BoT) to urgently intervene and restore order.”

The group accused Mohammed’s faction of “invading the party headquarters” and “promoting thuggery,” urging the BoT to act as the “custodian and conscience of the party” to end the turmoil.

The PDP leadership dispute has created renewed uncertainty within the main opposition party, already reeling from court rulings, factional divisions, and the suspension of its planned national convention.