PDP Reinstates Anyanwu as National Secretary Amid Factional Tensions, Sets New Date for Convention
In a significant development that could reshape the political landscape of Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary. The decision, reached during the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, came with strict conditions: Anyanwu must withdraw all court cases he had previously filed and pledge not to interfere with the upcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for August.
Sources close to the PDP’s national leadership disclosed that this resolution was born out of intense negotiations and consensus-building among party stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly members, and the Board of Trustees. They emphasized that Anyanwu’s return was contingent on a commitment to foster unity, ensure no staff victimization, and work collaboratively with all members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, confirmed to reporters that the party had reinstated Anyanwu and announced that the 101st NEC meeting would take place on July 23 to finalize preparations for the national convention.
Deepening Internal Fractures
Since the conclusion of the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has grappled with internal discord that has unsettled its organizational structure. Tensions came to a head following a letter the party sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 24 concerning the role of National Secretary.
In an attempt to de-escalate the crisis, Damagum convened a high-level meeting on Sunday at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza. Present at the meeting were Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Vice Chairman (North West) Senator Bello Gwarzo, and two other NWC members. The group reiterated their recognition of Anyanwu as the party’s legitimate National Secretary and reaffirmed support for an expanded National Caucus meeting scheduled for the following day.
However, a rival faction within the NWC also met later that day at the same secretariat. This bloc, composed of Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, South East Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, National Woman Leader Amina Darasimi, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Auditor Okechukwu Obiechin, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, and National Vice Chairman (South West) Ajisafe Toyese, rejected Anyanwu’s reinstatement and insisted that Koshoedo continue in his role.
Factional Realignment Across States
This clash reflects deeper rifts within the party, with two dominant power blocs emerging. One faction, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and supported by Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and several NWC members, firmly opposes Anyanwu’s reinstatement and favors continuing with the original NEC plan.
On the other hand, a counter-bloc led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, backed by Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), as well as Damagum and other key party officials, has rallied behind Anyanwu and advocated postponing the NEC meeting.
This growing divide has disrupted cohesion within the party’s top ranks and culminated in dramatic scenes on Monday, as both factions attempted to hold conflicting meetings at Wadata Plaza.
Security Clampdown and Relocation
To avoid possible clashes, security operatives including the Nigerian Police cordoned off the PDP National Secretariat on Monday morning. As a result, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) was forced to move its meeting from the Secretariat to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, BoT Chairman, and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, BoT Secretary, condemned the police action, describing it as an infringement on the party’s autonomy and a blatant attempt to derail reconciliation efforts.
Speaking to the media, Makarfi recounted how the relocation became necessary. “We arrived at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge for a meeting aimed at harmonizing the party’s internal positions. It was disappointing to see security agents stationed at our Secretariat. This sort of harassment only serves to weaken our democracy,” he said.
Wabara also voiced strong disapproval, saying, “Today’s events were shameful. Yet, we must remain focused. We will continue with our 80th BoT meeting and remain unwavering in our commitment to democratic principles.”
Emergency Strategy Meeting and Reinstatement Resolution
Amid growing tension, PDP leaders convened an emergency meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge. In attendance were governors, NWC members, BoT leaders, and key figures from the National Assembly. During the deliberations, the consensus was reached to proceed with the 100th NEC meeting as initially scheduled by the 99th NEC.
By 3:00 p.m., PDP leaders, including Damagum, arrived at Wadata Plaza to formalize the decision. Addressing journalists, Damagum stated that the PDP had sufficient internal conflict-resolution mechanisms and reiterated the unified agreement on Anyanwu’s reinstatement.
He explained, “The party has agreed that Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary, and we’ll take this forward at our next NEC meeting on July 23. That meeting will fulfill INEC’s requirements for a proper NEC endorsement of the National Convention.”
Terms of Reinstatement and Regional Dissent
A source close to the discussions confirmed that Anyanwu’s return was a compromise to avoid INEC sanctions. However, it was made clear that his reinstatement was contingent on fulfilling several conditions.
“Senator Anyanwu agreed to withdraw all legal cases immediately, guarantee no victimization of staff, and ensure that he does not interfere with the National Convention,” the source said.
While the decision was backed by most stakeholders, it was not universally accepted. The PDP chairman in Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, criticized the NEC’s move, stating that the South East had not fully embraced Anyanwu’s return.
He said, “Although NEC appears to have decided, the South East still needs to deliberate. We’re convening soon to assess the situation and decide whether to accept or reject the reinstatement.”
Efforts to obtain Anyanwu’s reaction proved unsuccessful as his mobile line remained unreachable.
Reinforcing Unity and Party Image
In his address at the NEC meeting, Damagum emphasized the importance of unity and cautioned against negative propaganda.
“This NEC is about one item: moving our party forward lawfully. We must stop de-marketing our own house. The media should assist in projecting the party’s strengths, not its weaknesses,” he stated.
Governor Bala Mohammed, Chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, described the reconciliation as a “miracle” and blamed external forces for fueling internal divisions.
“We are under attack by those who fear our resurgence. But our strength lies in unity. Today, the NWC is united, and those misleading press statements are now behind us,” he noted.
BoT’s Confidence in Party Resilience
Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed his strong belief in the enduring strength of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party remains a cornerstone of democracy in Nigeria. Speaking passionately during the recent NEC gathering, Wabara said, “This party will never collapse. It is the heartbeat of democratic hope in Nigeria. What we witnessed today sends a strong message to those who think the PDP is finished — we are just getting started.”
His comments came amidst efforts to restore unity within the party following weeks of internal disputes. Wabara highlighted the importance of the unity achieved at the meeting and urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to guard it closely.
He noted that while the PDP may have temporarily appeared divided, its internal reconciliation mechanisms have proven strong enough to overcome any crisis. However, he warned that the party’s detractors—those who benefit from disunity—would not sit back quietly.
“Now that we are aligned, those who thrive on chaos will try again,” Wabara cautioned. “We must stay vigilant and united.”
The BoT Chairman emphasized that the current show of unity should not be seen as an endpoint but a fresh beginning. He called on party leaders at all levels to protect the spirit of togetherness and resist any attempt to drag the PDP back into discord. According to Wabara, maintaining unity is not just for the benefit of the PDP, but for the future of Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Saraki: PDP and Democracy Emerged Victorious
In a separate statement, former Senate President Bukola Saraki hailed the NEC meeting as a turning point for the party and Nigerian democracy. Titled “No Victor, No Vanquished,” his statement emphasized that the day’s real winners were the PDP and the nation’s democratic integrity.
“There was no victor today. We all agreed to move beyond our differences and act in the party’s interest. This unity demonstrates to Nigerians that the PDP remains the true alternative,” Saraki stated.
He highlighted the significance of compromise in achieving unity and called on party members to stay committed to the party’s revival.
“The work ahead is enormous. But with this renewed spirit, we can rebuild trust, reclaim lost ground, and emerge stronger in 2027,” he added.
A Party at a Crossroads
The reinstatement of Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary underlines both the challenges and the resilience of the Peoples Democratic Party. While internal divisions remain, the overwhelming support from key leadership figures for unity and due process indicates a possible turning point.
Whether the PDP can sustain this fragile unity and rally itself for the 2027 general election remains to be seen. But for now, it has bought itself time, stability, and another opportunity to position itself as a viable alternative on the national stage.