The ongoing leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Monday as security operatives sealed off both the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza and the Legacy House in Maitama, the headquarters of the National Convention Organising Committee. The move came shortly after Abdulrahman Mohammed assumed office as Acting National Chairman.

Heavily armed officers arrived at Wadata Plaza in the early hours, ordering staff and journalists to vacate before locking the gates and establishing a security perimeter around the complex. Shortly after, another team of policemen secured the Legacy House, effectively halting operations at the two key party centres. Journalists were denied entry, with police citing “standing instructions from above.”

The clampdown, which rattled party members and heightened tensions nationwide, followed Mohammed’s controversial emergence as Acting Chairman—a development that has deepened divisions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Sources suggest the heavy security presence was a preventive measure to avoid potential clashes between rival factions. “There were intelligence reports that both camps might attempt to occupy the buildings simultaneously,” a senior party insider said.

Mohammed’s takeover, reportedly supported by a faction loyal to a former South-South governor, comes after days of lobbying and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres. His camp accuses the previous leadership of high-handedness and has promised to restore order and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reactions within the party have been sharply divided. Supporters view Mohammed’s assumption of office as a chance to end months of paralysis, while opponents condemn it as a brazen power grab.

Tensions escalated further in the afternoon when PDP staff staged a walkout at the secretariat, citing “total confusion” over the rival leadership claims. They vowed not to return until the crisis is resolved.

As of press time, both Wadata Plaza and Legacy House remained under lock and key, with armed operatives maintaining strict security. Meanwhile, loyalists of both factions reportedly held separate strategy meetings at undisclosed locations as efforts continue behind closed doors to defuse the situation.