The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-backed National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has begun the renovation of Wadata Plaza, the party’s national secretariat.
A reporter from the News Agency of Nigeria, who monitored activities at the PDP national secretariat in Zone 5 on Monday, observed that renovation work was ongoing ahead of the resumption of staff.
The renovation followed the police unsealing of the secretariat, which granted access to the Wike-backed faction.
NAN reports that although barricades around the main building had been removed, police vehicles were still stationed on the premises with officers providing security.
A party source, who requested anonymity, told NAN that the renovation work began on Sunday.
“The staff members of the party’s national secretariat are yet to resume, but the renovation works started yesterday (Sunday).
The ongoing renovation works include painting, replacing air conditioners, and changing locks and keys in the offices, as well as allocating them to the new National Working Committee members.
“However, I think the challenge now is that some of the staff members loyal to the Tanimu Turaki–led NWC may find it difficult to come and resume here,’’ the source said.
At the time of filing this report, no party officials were seen at the secretariat.
NAN also reported that the faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had on Saturday announced the reopening of the PDP national secretariat and the presidential campaign office, Legacy House, Maitama.
Mohammed, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the facilities were being unsealed in compliance with “duly-issued court orders”.
He stated that the property had been handed over to the Mohammed-led NWC, with Sen. Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.
While commending the police for professionalism, he warned against any form of obstruction or disruption at the secretariat.
Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki–led faction has described the unsealing of the secretariat as contemptuous.
Its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, said the judgment being relied upon had already been appealed and that all relevant parties had been duly notified.
He added that the action amounted to tampering with the subject matter of the case, which could undermine the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
