Party Rift Deepens as 11 PDP Executives Disown Damagum, Object to Anyanwu’s Reinstatement

By Sholeye Ayodele, Lagos

 

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as 11 out of the party’s 21 National Working Committee (NWC) members opposed the reinstatement of embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

These dissenting members also confirmed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30 will proceed as planned, asserting that it has neither been cancelled nor postponed.

In a statement released to the media, the 11 NWC members expressed their disagreement and emphasized their commitment to upholding party procedures. The statement was signed by Amb. Taofeek Arapaja (Deputy National Chairman, South), Arc Setonji Koshoedo (Acting National Secretary), Ahmed Yayari Mohammed (National Treasurer), Sir Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (National Auditor), and Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary). Other signatories included Woyengikuro Daniel, PhD (National Financial Secretary), High Chief Ali Odefa (National Vice Chairman, South East), Emmanuel Ogidi (Caretaker Committee Chairman, South South), Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm (National Woman Leader), Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo (National Vice Chairman, North West), and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese (National Vice Chairman, South West).

Their position came in response to an earlier press briefing by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who had announced Senator Anyanwu’s reinstatement. Damagum described the decision as difficult but necessary for party unity and progress.

The opposing NWC members rejected this move, arguing that it directly violated the resolution passed during the party’s 99th NEC meeting, which had deferred any decisions regarding the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.

They stated, “The Acting National Chairman’s announcement that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been reinstated as National Secretary contradicts the decision of the 99th NEC. Such a pronouncement holds no weight, as no organ, group, or individual—including the NWC—has the constitutional authority to overrule or alter a resolution passed by NEC, according to the PDP Constitution (amended in 2017).”

The group emphasized that the NEC is the party’s second-highest decision-making body, after the National Convention, and its resolutions are binding on all party structures, officials, and members.

They further clarified, “Damagum’s claim that Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary is both misleading and contrary to NEC’s decision. To set the record straight, the 100th NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, remains confirmed and has not been cancelled or postponed.”

 

Letter that triggered fresh crisis 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the notice submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding its planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30.

In a letter dated June 13 and addressed to the party’s Acting National Chairman, INEC stated that the notice did not comply with its established regulations. Citing Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, the commission emphasized that notices of meetings, conventions, congresses, or conferences must be jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

The letter, signed by INEC’s Acting Secretary, Haliru Aminu, urged the PDP to adhere strictly to the rules moving forward. “The commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of Part 2(12)3, which mandates joint signatures of the National Chairman and National Secretary. Please be guided accordingly,” the letter read.

In response, several PDP governors and senior party officials met behind closed doors with INEC leadership on Tuesday. During the meeting, which was led by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the electoral body reportedly advised the PDP to comply with a Supreme Court judgment concerning the position of its National Secretary.

Speaking at a press briefing at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Acting Chairman Umar Damagum said the decision to reinstate Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary was based on INEC’s directive. He explained that the commission indicated the party had not followed proper procedure in notifying it of the NEC meeting.

“INEC is our regulator and has made its position clear on the matter regarding the National Secretary. That position is critical since the secretary is a mandatory signatory for all official party correspondence, including notifications,” Damagum stated.

He also noted the urgency of the situation, especially with the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election. “Time is not on our side. After extensive consultations, we had to make a tough decision. Though it was a difficult pill to swallow, the party’s survival is more important than individual sentiments,” he added.

Damagum confirmed that instead of the NEC meeting, the party would now hold an expanded caucus meeting on June 30. He further acknowledged that INEC had declined the previous NEC notification because it was signed solely by him, which violated the commission’s guidelines.

 

Uneasy calm within the party

 

Following the announcement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s reinstatement as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), tension quietly spread among party staff. Some employees were observed discussing the development in hushed tones, reflecting unease about the situation.

A party staff member revealed uncertainty about how personnel would interact with Anyanwu, considering past tensions. Back in May, staff members had publicly declared their refusal to work with him, instead pledging allegiance to Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, who had been nominated by the PDP Governors’ Forum.

Now that Anyanwu has been reinstated, concerns have emerged about how the staff will relate to someone they had previously rejected.

During a recent press conference, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum admitted that he convened a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Wednesday. However, he noted that many members were absent, reportedly due to the short notice.

Sources revealed that several NWC members deliberately stayed away from the meeting in protest against Anyanwu’s reinstatement.

Shortly after Umar Damagum’s press briefing, several members of the National Working Committee (NWC) released a statement reaffirming their support for National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and emphasizing that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30 must proceed as planned.

They criticized Damagum for distancing himself from Ologunagba’s earlier announcement regarding the NEC meeting, insisting that the statement was made with the full authorization of the NWC.

The dispute over the position of National Secretary began in April 2023, when Senator Samuel Anyanwu contested and won the PDP governorship primary in Imo State. During his absence, the South East caucus of the party nominated Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, as his replacement.

After losing the governorship election, Anyanwu attempted to reclaim his former position, but faced resistance from South East party leaders led by Chief Ali Odefa.

The matter was taken to court. In December 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu ruled in favor of Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. Anyanwu has since appealed the decision at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court overturned the earlier ruling of the lower court but emphasized that the political party retains the authority to decide its leadership.

However, this judgment did not put the dispute to rest. Supporters of Senator Samuel Anyanwu interpreted the verdict as nullifying Udeh-Okoye’s claim and reinstating Anyanwu as National Secretary. On the other hand, those aligned with Udeh-Okoye argued that the South East region should retain the right to nominate a replacement for the position.

In an attempt to resolve the stalemate, the PDP governors nominated Setonji Koshoedo to serve as acting National Secretary until a final decision is reached.

 

Why Damagum is opposed to NEC – Sources

 

Sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have alleged that Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and his allies are opposing the June 30 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting due to concerns that it might affirm the South East caucus’ nomination of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.

One source claimed, “It’s evident Damagum prefers working with Anyanwu. The 99th NEC had resolved that the matter would be addressed at the 100th meeting. The current effort to avoid holding NEC raises suspicions.” The source also revealed ongoing discussions to dissolve the current National Working Committee (NWC) and install a caretaker team to supervise a fresh national convention.

The insider added, “It’s troubling that someone acting as National Chairman for just three months now controls the party as though elected at a national convention. That’s not the way to pursue genuine reconciliation.”

Back in May, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Enugu, the South East PDP caucus issued a warning that the region could exit the party if Udeh-Okoye was not recognised as National Secretary. The leaders stated that failure to honour their decision could result in widespread defections from the party in the zone.

Those who issued the warning included Governor Peter Mbah, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Governor Achike Udenwa, and Chief Ali Odefa. They urged the PDP to respect the South East’s choice for the secretary position.

Attempts to get comments from Wabara and Odefa regarding Anyanwu’s reinstatement were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

 

Party leadership lacks integrity, clarity – Suswam

 

Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has openly criticised the current leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of lacking both integrity and clarity.

Speaking during a television interview, Suswam said, “Leadership requires certain qualities, especially integrity and clarity, which the current PDP leadership lacks. There is no integrity in the party’s leadership.” He commended Nyesom Wike for acknowledging these concerns and asserted that Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has failed to provide effective leadership.

Suswam pointed out that a responsible leader would have briefed the National Working Committee (NWC) after meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), before making public statements. “If Damagum had met with the NWC and communicated INEC’s demands, there wouldn’t have been disagreement. It’s clear that didn’t happen. That’s not how a leader behaves,” he added.

He further alleged that Damagum’s tenure has coincided with a decline in the party’s fortunes, saying the party has been on a downward path since he assumed office as acting chairman. Suswam also accused the party of violating its constitution by failing to return the chairmanship to the North Central zone after the acting period, as stipulated. “There was a conspiracy to retain Damagum. The party is in disarray. The confusion we’re witnessing is unprecedented.”

He criticised the decision to replace the planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting with an “expanded caucus,” even as 11 NWC members insisted that the NEC meeting must take place.

Suswam also condemned the PDP’s handling of communications with INEC, calling it a “ridiculous” display of disorder. “Different letters were sent to INEC with conflicting names for the position of national secretary. It shows a complete lack of coordination. How can someone responsible for such confusion still lead a major political party?” he asked.

He accused PDP governors of enabling the crisis, particularly pointing to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. “He was present when they passed a vote of confidence in Damagum. These governors are complicit,” he said.

Suswam also highlighted contradictions over the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary. “There’s clearly more happening behind the scenes. Damagum reinstated Anyanwu in Bala’s presence, yet some NWC members allied with these governors released a conflicting statement. Why should the party continue in this confusion?” he questioned.

He alleged that certain individuals, with the silent backing of PDP governors, were deliberately working to destabilise the party.

Reacting separately, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also denounced Damagum’s leadership, stating he lacked the legal and moral authority to direct Senator Anyanwu to resume as national secretary.

Speaking during the commissioning of a road project in Abuja, Wike said, “The national secretary is not your appointee. He is doing his job and will continue. You cannot instruct him to resume simply to cover your illegal actions.”

Wike criticised the party’s visit to INEC, calling it shameful. “If you went there because you don’t understand the law, that’s unfortunate. Ignorance is no excuse.”

He urged PDP leaders to seek proper advice rather than make decisions based on ego or financial gains. “Don’t let your ego or monthly allocation mislead you. If you need guidance, come to us—we’ll show you how to manage these issues,” he added.

 

‘Supreme Court ruling should guide PDP’ – Analyst

 

Political analyst Chudi Chukwuani has emphasised the need for the party to ensure its actions are in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

According to him, “If the party’s decision aligns with the Supreme Court judgment, then it is acceptable. However, if it does not, that presents a serious problem.”

He further noted that the role of the National Secretary is not independent of the party’s broader leadership.

“Although Anyanwu may be associated with Wike, he is still only one vote within the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC). He cannot take action without proper direction or approval from these bodies. His authority is not self-governing,” Chukwuani explained.

He also pointed out that the National Secretary cannot directly engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unless instructed by the party leadership.