The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still grappling with deep internal divisions as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the official National Secretary of the party.
The confirmation was announced during the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Legacy House, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday.
According to a committee set up by the PDP to verify Anyanwu’s status, INEC stated that Anyanwu remains validly recognised. The electoral body said the party did not follow proper procedure to remove him. The Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the matter in his favour.
INEC reminded the party that a 21-day notice is required before any attempt to remove a national officer. The Commission must also be present during the process.
A PDP NEC source revealed, “INEC told them that Anyanwu has not been removed and that the Commission must be given at least 21 days’ notice. It also has to witness the removal process.”
PDP to Reconvene on June 30 to Decide Next Steps
The NEC agreed to meet again on Monday, June 30, to address the situation. Party leaders will then begin steps to remove Anyanwu legally if they choose to proceed.
The PDP had earlier formed a three-member verification committee led by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas. The other members included Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and PDP National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).
Governor Mbah presented the committee’s report. He stated that INEC still recognises Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, in line with the party’s constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.
He said, “There’s no vacancy to be replaced until Anyanwu is removed in accordance with the Constitution of the party.”
Disagreement Widens Between Wike and Party Leadership
The development has further worsened the already tense relationship between the PDP leadership and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike is known to be a political ally of Senator Anyanwu.
Wike accused party leaders of breaking past agreements. He also announced his withdrawal from the PDP’s peace and reconciliation efforts. He blamed Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah for worsening the crisis.
Meanwhile, a reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki held an emergency meeting on Sunday with key party members. The outcome of that meeting has not been made public.
Power Struggle Intensifies in PDP NEC Meeting
At the NEC meeting, another issue arose. Jones Onyereri, who was Anyanwu’s running mate in the last Imo State governorship election, moved a motion to derecognise South-East Zonal Chairman, Ali Odefa.
Onyereri claimed that a court had suspended Odefa. But the NEC told him to submit a formal petition at the next meeting for proper consideration.
The PDP NEC also ratified the formation of the committees for the National Convention and Zoning of National Offices. The National Convention will take place from August 28 to 30, 2025.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa will head the National Convention Committee. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa will lead the Zoning Committee.
Calls for Peace and Unity in the PDP
Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, read the meeting’s communiqué. He said, “NEC received the resolution of the South-East Zonal Executive with regard to the issue of the National Secretary. NEC resolved to consider the Resolution… at the next NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, 30th June, 2025.”
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of political intimidation. He said APC was targeting PDP governors to weaken the party.
“As governors, we have gone through a lot,” he said. “There is no intimidation that we are not going through… But certainly, we are resolute. We will not abandon the mandate.”
PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, called for genuine unity and healing.
“No ambition, no grievance, and no misunderstanding should ever be allowed to override the collective interests of our party and the hopes of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Wabara urged party elders to lead the reconciliation process and for members to return to the grassroots with renewed energy.
“Let this 99th meeting be remembered as a turning point… Let us go back to the grassroots with a renewed spirit, a clear purpose, and a firm resolve to reclaim our place as the party that not only knows Nigeria but truly loves Nigeria.”
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