The internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as 11 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) publicly rejected the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Earlier in the day, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced Anyanwu’s return to office, describing it as a “painful decision.” He also declared the postponement of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting initially slated for June 30, 2025, replacing it with a caucus meeting.
However, in a swift and coordinated response, 11 senior NWC members issued a joint statement rejecting both decisions. According to them, Damagum acted beyond his authority, as only the NEC has the constitutional power to determine such matters.
“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation,” the statement read. “No organ of the party, including the NWC, has the authority to override NEC resolutions.”
The signatories include top party figures such as Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Acting National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba; and National Treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, among others.
The NWC members emphasized that the 99th NEC meeting had explicitly referred Anyanwu’s case to the upcoming 100th NEC meeting. They affirmed that the June 30 meeting remains on schedule and binding on all party organs and members.
They also accused Damagum of undermining the party’s constitution, stating:
“The NEC is the highest decision-making body of the party after the National Convention. Any attempt to vary its resolution is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.”
The controversy comes after a meeting between party leaders and INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, raising speculation about the political motivations behind Damagum’s announcement.
As tensions grow within Nigeria’s main opposition party, stakeholders and observers are watching closely to see whether the crisis will derail plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.
