There was drama at the national headquarters of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday as staff and management staged a mass walkout in protest against Senator Samuel Anyanwu's controversial attempt to reclaim his seat as National Secretary. In a scene that took many by surprise, employees shut down their offices and vacated the premises in what they described as a show of loyalty to the party's leadership. The protest was sparked by Anyanwu's arrival at the secretariat, allegedly accompanied by suspected thugs, in a bid to "forcibly reclaim" the office he had vacated.
Tensions flared just days after the party's National Working Committee (NWC) officially named Setonji Koshoedo as the acting National Secretary, a decision the staff had "earlier pledged to support."
According to several sources at the scene who spoke with journalists in Abuja, Anyanwu marched into the building and went straight to the national secretary's office with some of his aides. One protesting staff member said, "Anyanwu and his people entered the building. It wasn't just an attempt; they actually went straight into the national secretary's office with some of his aides."
But rather than confront him, the staff chose a different approach. They quietly gathered their belongings, locked their offices, and walked out of the building, effectively leaving Anyanwu "stranded and visibly embarrassed."
"We had all left our offices and walked out in protest. That firm action led to his exit," one staff member recounted.
Another explained the moment Anyawu began to realize he was isolated:
"When he realised the atmosphere was hostile and there was no one left to work with, apart from the few people he came with, his aides advised him to leave rather than remain in such an awkward situation."
The walkout, which left the party headquarters practically deserted, underscored growing cracks within the PDP. Staff insisted that they wouldn't return until Anyanwu left the premises.
Some staff even went further, alleging that Anyanwu may be acting as a "mole" planted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sow discord within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. While these claims remain unverified, they have only deepened the anxiety brewing within the party.
For a party trying to reassert its relevance as Nigeria's main opposition, the timing of the crisis couldn't be worse. The internal rift has raised concerns about the PDP's unity and readiness to take on the APC in 2027.
So far, the PDP leadership has remained silent. Repeated attempts to reach the party's National Publicity Secretary, Depo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.
Source: Vanguard
