The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary. This resolution came during the party's 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday. PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, confirmed Anyanwu’s reinstatement while briefing journalists after the meeting. He also disclosed that the party’s 101st NEC meeting has been scheduled for July 23 to finalize plans for the national convention.
The PDP has faced persistent internal conflicts since the 2023 general elections, with leadership tussles shaking the party. Tensions escalated further following a letter from the PDP leadership to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 24, challenging the position of National Secretary.
On Sunday, Damagun held a strategy meeting at Wadata Plaza with Anyanwu and several high-ranking NWC members, including the National Organizing Secretary, Legal Adviser, and Vice Chairman (North West). They reaffirmed Anyanwu's legitimacy and backed plans for Monday's expanded National Caucus meeting.
However, a rival NWC faction also met on the same day. This group, which includes Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and others, backed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary and insisted that the NEC proceed as originally planned, deepening the leadership rift.
The internal division has largely split the party into two camps. One bloc, led by Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde and supported by several southern governors and NWC members, opposed Anyanwu’s return. The opposing faction, allied with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and backed by some northern governors and party leaders, supported Anyanwu and pushed for postponing the NEC.
In a bid to manage rising tensions, security forces cordoned off Wadata Plaza. Consequently, key party leaders, including governors and National Assembly members, relocated to the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where they agreed to proceed with the NEC meeting.
Addressing the press afterward, Damagum said, “I am here to brief you on the outcome of our interaction with NEC as regards the National Secretary.
We’ve all combined into one, we were all together, and we all agree that Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary.
And also to bring the issue of the convention to bring it up in the next NEC, which is slated for the 23rd of next month (July).
At that time, we will be able to convene a proper NEC, where myself and Senator Anyanwu will sign, which is to fulfill the regulatory requirement of INEC in convening meetings.”
He added, “So, to our detractors who thought this meeting would go on course or perhaps be the end of the party, the beauty of the Peoples Democratic Party is that it is the only party in this country that has and knows the internal mechanism to solve its own problems and run freely.
As you can see, all our governors attended the meeting; all members of the NWC were on the same page. You will not be seeing all these press releases and counter-press releases.”
