A protest broke out on Monday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wadata Plaza, Abuja, as supporters of a faction led by the newly declared acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the premises demanding the removal of the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, insisted that the Damagum leadership vacate the secretariat immediately, accusing it of mismanaging party affairs and failing to provide effective direction.

The development followed last week’s announcement of Abdulrahman as acting national chairman by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid the escalating leadership crisis within the party.

The crisis deepened after the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month over alleged misconduct.

In a parallel move, the Wike-backed faction had convened in Abuja, declaring the suspension of the Damagum-led NWC and vowing to “reclaim the party from impunity.”

Security operatives were deployed to the secretariat to forestall a breakdown of law and order as both factions jostled for control of the party’s headquarters.

By midday, the Abdulrahman faction had reportedly taken control of the National Chairman’s office, signaling a further escalation of the internal dispute.

Speaking to journalists after assuming control, Abdulrahman pledged to unite and reposition the party ahead of the next general election.

“We are ready to work in the interest of our dear party and ensure the PDP regains its strength as a true national platform,” he said.