PDP Warns Against Forcible Seizure of Headquarters Amid Court Battle
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning that its National Secretariat in Abuja remains subject to active litigation and must not be forcibly occupied by any group. This follows reports that a faction of the party aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike plans to take over the headquarters on Monday.
The development underscores the deepening legal and political rift within Nigeria’s main opposition party. The Wike-led faction recently gained recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), allowing its representatives to attend a stakeholders’ meeting. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, describing himself as National Secretary of that faction, subsequently announced plans to physically take control of the party’s secretariat.
In a formal statement, the mainstream PDP, represented by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, countered that intelligence suggests some expelled members may attempt to seize the property, potentially with the involvement of security forces. The party emphasized that the secretariat is the subject of a pending lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal.
The PDP argued that any attempt to occupy the headquarters while the case is sub judice would constitute an illegal act of “self-help” and a direct challenge to judicial authority. The statement quoted legal principles, noting that parties who have submitted to the court’s jurisdiction cannot take actions that undermine its power.
The legal case was initiated by the expelled members themselves, the PDP noted, asserting they must await the court’s judgment. Critically, the party warned the Nigeria Police Force, which is a named party in the proceedings, that granting access to the property before the case concludes would amount to contempt of court.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect its assets, the PDP stated it would employ all lawful measures to defend the secretariat from trespass. The statement placed full responsibility for any injuries or damages resulting from a forced entry on the aggressors and any security collaborators.
The standoff sets the stage for a potential physical confrontation at the party’s national headquarters, pitting a faction’s claim of political legitimacy against the mainstream party’s insistence on respecting ongoing judicial processes. The situation highlights the volatile intersection of internal party disputes, electoral body recognition, and court rulings in Nigeria’s political landscape. All eyes now turn to the Federal High Court’s pending determination and whether the planned action on Monday will proceed amid the explicit judicial warnings.
