Wike Blocks Govs Bala, Makinde as Party Secretariat Row Intensifies

A tense political showdown unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday after Wike Blocks Govs Bala, Makinde at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, sparking another dramatic escalation in the leadership battle tearing through the party. What started as a routine visit by the governors quickly spiraled into a fierce confrontation involving rival factions, locked gates, tear gas, and a direct face-off between key power blocs.

Fresh tensions erupted as two opposing PDP groups—the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and another faction claiming interim leadership under Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is strongly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—clashed over control of the party structure. The deepening struggle has continued to fracture the once-dominant political party.

Governors Arrive to Locked Gates

The crisis took a new turn around 10:45 a.m. when Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, arrived at the national secretariat alongside Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The two governors were scheduled to attend a meeting expected to address ongoing disputes, but they were met with a shocking sight—the main gates of the secretariat padlocked.

Their security convoys had no access, forcing both governors to walk into the premises on foot. A source close to the delegation confirmed that the move appeared intentional. According to the insider, the governors insisted on entering the compound because the PDP belonged to all members, and no faction had the authority to deny them entry.

Tear Gas Released as Factions Clash

The atmosphere became more chaotic when the governors attempted to proceed toward the National Executive Committee (NEC) hall. Supporters believed to be aligned with one faction allegedly released tear gas, which instantly plunged the environment into confusion. Party staff, journalists, and political supporters scrambled for safety as choking fumes spread across the premises.

Security operatives quickly responded by firing additional rounds of tear gas to disperse the fast-growing crowd. Many people ran for cover as the situation deteriorated, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as “unexpected and disturbing.” Despite the tension, the governors eventually managed to re-enter the compound with their vehicles once calm returned temporarily.

Wike Blocks Their Convoy

According to post made on Facebook by Arise news, the confrontation escalated even further around 11:15 a.m. when Wike arrived at the secretariat. In a move that intensified the already-charged atmosphere, he parked his vehicle directly in front of the facility, effectively blocking the governors’ motorcade. This bold act heightened the standoff and deepened the division between the competing factions—another flashpoint in the ongoing narrative of Wike Blocks Govs Bala, Makinde.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ishiaku Sharu, stepped in to restore order and instructed Governor Bala Mohammed to vacate the secretariat. However, Mohammed firmly stood his ground, insisting that he would not leave unless Wike also departed. He emphasized that the secretariat was a property of the entire party, not a personal zone for any single political actor. After further engagement, the governor proceeded to the NWC hall, where a meeting was said to be underway.

Crisis Deepens as Expulsion Claims Surface

As at the time of reporting, Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde remained inside the PDP headquarters with several members of their team. Meanwhile, Wike stayed inside his vehicle, refusing to move. The lingering confrontation reflects the deepening internal crisis, especially following the announcement made days earlier by the Bala-led faction in Ibadan where Wike and others were reportedly expelled from the party.

The PDP has not released an official statement regarding Tuesday’s dramatic events or the circumstances surrounding the expulsion claims. What is clear, however, is that the conflict shows no signs of slowing down, and the leadership tussle continues to widen divisions—marking yet another chapter in the unfolding saga of Wike Blocks Govs Bala, Makinde within the party’s troubled ranks.