As the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the position of National Secretary remains unresolved, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has insisted that no form of intimidation will compel him to distance himself from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Anyanwu reaffirmed his claim to the office of PDP National Secretary, questioning why Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State are allegedly pushing for his removal.
The PDP has faced deep internal divisions since the 2023 general elections, which worsened in December 2024 when the South East Zonal Caucus and a lower court recognized former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the new National Secretary.
Though the party’s governors, Board of Trustees, and National Working Committee (NWC) accepted the court’s decision, Anyanwu backed by FCT Minister Wike challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court. On March 21, the apex court overturned his removal, ruling that internal party affairs are not subject to judicial intervention.
Despite the Supreme Court’s judgment, the dispute continued. On April 14, PDP governors asked the South East to nominate a replacement, leading to the appointment of Deputy Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary. His appointment was ratified during the NWC’s 600th meeting on April 29.
Nevertheless, the controversy over the National Secretary position persists, further polarizing the party leadership. Many within the PDP attribute the ongoing tension to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who recently withdrew from the party’s reconciliation efforts.
Addressing the matter, Anyanwu expressed confusion over the urgency to replace him, especially with only a few months left in his tenure.
“My question is, what exactly have I done to Governor Makinde?” he asked. “Have I insulted him, wronged him, or caused him any distress? I’ve always considered him a friend.”
He questioned the motivations behind the moves to oust him, noting that his term ends in December, well ahead of the 2026 party primaries and the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on his loyalty to Wike, Anyanwu said, “His Excellency, the FCT Minister, is both my friend and my boss. No amount of pressure will make me deny him. Positions are temporary but friendship and loyalty last longer.”
He urged members of the NWC to remain united in their final months.
“We started this journey as a united team. It’s only right that we finish it the same way. After this, life continues. Let’s not destroy what we’ve built over the past three years just four months before the end.”
Addressing criticism of his alignment with Wike, Anyanwu said, “People say I’m pro-Wike. So what? Everyone knows Wike’s contributions to this party, especially when it mattered most. He stood by the PDP.”
He concluded by calling for wisdom and caution among party leaders.
“Our leaders must be careful with how they handle this. I have great respect for our governors, it’s no small task to govern a state but leadership also requires speaking the truth. They know the truth. The question is: why are they avoiding it?”
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