The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has firmly stated that he will not resign from his position despite growing pressure from some party leaders.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Anyanwu alleged that Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State are leading a coordinated effort to unseat him before the end of his tenure. He described the move as politically motivated and lacking any constitutional basis.
“There is no vacancy in the office of the National Secretary of the PDP. I remain the substantive National Secretary, and my tenure runs until December 2025,” Anyanwu declared.
He explained that he had taken a leave of absence to contest the 2023 governorship election in Imo State and had formally notified both the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, his deputy only acted in his absence, and at no time did he resign from his role.
“The party and INEC acknowledged my letter. My leave was duly communicated. I never resigned,” he clarified.
Anyanwu emphasized that the position of National Secretary is zoned to the South, specifically micro-zoned to the South-East, with Imo State designated as the source of nomination. He questioned the rationale behind nominating a replacement from Enugu State.
“If zoning is to be respected, then any replacement must come from Imo State, not Enugu. Governor Mbah’s move violates the PDP’s zoning formula,” he asserted.
The PDP secretary also accused former South-East National Vice Chairman, Hon. Ali Odefa, of spearheading the campaign against him. According to Anyanwu, Odefa had been expelled from the party and therefore has no legal standing.
“Odefa’s tenure ended in March. He was expelled and the High Court upheld that decision. He has no authority to attend or convene any PDP meeting,” he said.
Citing a High Court judgment from January 26, 2025, Anyanwu said any PDP meeting involving Odefa is legally invalid. “The ruling clearly states that meetings involving Odefa are fundamentally illegal and void. That decision has not been appealed and remains binding,” he noted.
He further alleged that Governors Makinde and Mbah attempted to impose Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye as the new National Secretary through irregular procedures and manipulation of party staff.
“How can governors conspire to install someone without following due process? That’s outright impunity,” he said.
Addressing speculations about his relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu maintained that while they remain friends, his loyalty to the PDP is unwavering.
“I won’t deny my friend, but that has never compromised my commitment to the PDP,” he stated.
Anyanwu also dismissed reports of any merger or coalition talks involving the PDP. “There is no coalition. The PDP is not merging with any party. Others may join us, but we’re not giving up our identity,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the 2023 governorship election, Anyanwu expressed disappointment over the lack of support from party leaders. “I ran that campaign without a kobo from the party. Those calling for my resignation didn’t help me,” he said.
He warned that any move to remove him from office could have far-reaching legal consequences, potentially nullifying all party activities conducted under his tenure since November 2023.
“If you invalidate my office, then every congress and nomination I oversaw becomes null and void. That would leave the PDP without a national structure,” he cautioned.
Concluding his remarks, Anyanwu urged party members to prioritize unity ahead of the next national convention. “Let us act with peace and maturity. We are a family, and we must not let personal interests tear us apart,” he appealed.
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