The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated sharply on Wednesday, deepening the rift between two major factions over the date of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the controversial reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
A powerful bloc led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde backed by Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and 11 National Working Committee (NWC) members has insisted that the NEC must go ahead as scheduled on June 30. They strongly oppose Anyanwu’s return.
In direct opposition is the camp loyal to former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, including Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and other party heavyweights. This group supports Anyanwu’s reinstatement and has called for the NEC meeting to be postponed.
Tensions flared just a day after Damagum led senior PDP leaders to a consultation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Following that meeting, Damagum announced both the return of Senator Anyanwu and the postponement of the NEC gathering. He described the move as a “difficult but necessary compromise” to align with INEC’s position and ensure party cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
But in swift rejection, 11 NWC members issued a public statement denouncing the decision as unilateral and in violation of resolutions made during the party’s 99th NEC meeting, which had fixed June 30 for the 100th session.
Since losing national power in 2015, the PDP has battled internal power struggles, factionalism, and disputes over leadership. In a bid to restore order, Setonji Koshoedo had been appointed Acting National Secretary a position now in dispute following a fact-finding report led by Governor Agbu, which confirmed INEC still recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.
INEC subsequently declined to recognize the June 30 NEC notice due to the absence of signatures from both the National Chairman and National Secretary, urging the PDP to comply with its internal regulations.
In response, Damagum supported by leaders including Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki announced that an expanded National Caucus meeting would be held instead of the NEC meeting.
“INEC does not recognize the NEC notice as valid because only my signature was on it,” Damagum said. “We had to make a tough decision in the interest of party survival.”
National Organising Secretary Umar Bature also backed the decision, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of Anyanwu. Six deputy NWC members echoed this support, describing the move as a step toward restoring order. In a joint statement, they called for unity and dialogue as the party prepares for its national convention.
However, FCT Minister and PDP strongman Nyesom Wike criticized Damagum for “exceeding his authority,” asserting that Anyanwu was never officially removed and therefore could not be reinstated.
At a public function, Wike accused PDP leaders of weak leadership and allowing personal ambitions to override party rules and discipline.
Meanwhile, the 11 dissenting NWC members reiterated that only the NEC has constitutional authority over key decisions such as Anyanwu’s status or the NEC schedule. They warned that Damagum’s actions were in direct violation of the PDP’s 2017 Constitution.
Their statement read: “No individual or group can override decisions made by the NEC. The June 30 meeting must proceed.”
Signatories to the statement include Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba.
Party elder Chief Bode George dismissed suggestions that Wike orchestrated Anyanwu’s return, emphasizing that the NEC would have the final say.
“The NEC remains supreme. Whatever it decides will be binding. We must settle our internal disputes and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections,” George said.
Dr. Chidi Lloyd, a close Wike ally and former Rivers Assembly Leader, welcomed the latest developments as “a win for democracy.” He called on PDP leaders to unite and work toward common goals.
With both camps digging in, the fate of Senator Anyanwu and potentially the future cohesion of Nigeria’s main opposition party now hinges on what unfolds on June 30.
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