The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that its National Secretariat is currently under litigation and must not be forcefully accessed or occupied by any individual or group until the courts deliver a final judgement.
The warning follows reports that a faction of the party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is planning to take over the party’s headquarters next Monday.
INEC Recognition Sparks Tension
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently recognised the Wike-led faction of the PDP, allowing its representatives to attend the commission’s first quarterly stakeholders’ meeting with political parties in 2026.
Following the meeting, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee of the Wike-led faction, was quoted as saying, “By next Monday, we will take over the PDP headquarters.”
PDP Raises Security Concerns
In response, the PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said intelligence reports indicated that some expelled members of the party may attempt to gain access to the National Secretariat and other party properties.
The party alleged that such attempts could be carried out either by force or “in connivance with security forces”. ”.
The PDP disclosed that it has written formally to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, stressing that the National Secretariat remains the subject of cases pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Court of Appeal.
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According to the party, any move to occupy the secretariat while the matter is still before the courts would amount to self-help and a direct challenge to judicial authority.
Warning Against Contempt of Court
“Any attempt to enter and occupy these properties will be a resort to self-help and an affront to the time-tested principle of law that parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts should not act in ways that render the powers of the court nugatory,” the statement said.
The PDP noted that the case before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court was instituted by the expelled members themselves, insisting they must wait for the court’s decision.
“Having instituted the suit, they cannot resort to self-help until judgement is delivered in the matter,” the party stated.
Police Also Put on Notice
The party further warned that the Nigeria Police Force, which is listed as a party in the suit, would be acting in contempt of court if it grants access to any individual before the conclusion of the case.
“Any action taken to grant access to anybody before the conclusion of the case amounts to contempt of court,” the statement added.
PDP Vows to Defend Property
Reaffirming its resolve to protect its assets, the PDP said it would explore all lawful means to defend its National Secretariat.
The party warned that responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property resulting from any forceful entry would rest solely on those attempting it and any security personnel involved.
“We will deploy all legal means to defend our property from trespass, and we place responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators,” the statement concluded.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
