A fresh wave of crisis erupted at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday as rival factions clashed over control of the secretariat ahead of parallel meetings convened by both groups.

The faction loyal to former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) produced at the party’s recent congress in Ibadan had each issued notices for separate meetings at the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) hall, heightening tensions.

Naija News earlier reported that the National Secretary of the Wike-backed faction, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, arrived at the Wadata Plaza headquarters on Monday with his supporters. According to the Daily Post, a scuffle ensued shortly after the group attempted to settle in, as supporters from both camps exchanged heated words that escalated into physical confrontation.

Amid the chaos, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, forced their way into the NEC hall. The three leaders reportedly led members of the Ibadan-produced NWC into the venue to commence their scheduled meeting.

The turmoil worsened outside the secretariat as police fired teargas to disperse rival supporters who clashed violently when Makinde, Mohammed, and Turaki arrived. Members of the Anyanwu-led faction attempted to block their entry, triggering another confrontation that further underscored the deepening leadership crisis within the opposition party.

The PDP is yet to issue an official statement addressing the renewed hostilities.