PDP crisis: Chair, governors, INEC convene emergency meetings.

In an effort to resolve the threat surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting on June 30, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, governors elected on the party’s platform, and other stakeholders will meet with Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, on Wednesday (today).

Since losing control at the centre in the 2015 presidential election, the once-dominant political party has been reduced to a shell of itself.

The PDP has struggled to preserve its position as the country’s biggest opposition party, owing to a leadership crisis, outstanding litigations, and a wave of defections, including the recent losses of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom States, respectively.

The Rivers State issue, unresolved conflicts over the South-South and South-East zonal congresses, the debate surrounding the National Secretary position, and, most recently, the North-Central zonal congress have all contributed to the party’s instability.

Tensions amongst party leaders have risen and expanded across other states and regions, exacerbating the rift.

The ongoing difficulties have forced the NEC to postpone its conference six times, delaying important decisions concerning the party’s course ahead of the 2027 general election.

After Anyanwu emerged as the Imo State PDP governorship candidate in the November 2023 election, the party’s South-East Caucus chose Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s secretary to succeed him. However, Anyanwu, who did not resign from his position as secretary of the PDP secretariat, returned from his election campaign in Imo to run for the seat.

Anyanwu has the support of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who is currently leading the contest for control of the party’s machinery ahead of the next election.

In an effort to address the uncertainty surrounding the National Secretary position, the PDP National Caucus Fact-Finding Committee, chaired by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, said that INEC had formally recognised Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.

The committee’s conclusions were delivered to the PDP national caucus in Abuja on May 27.

Following the revelation, members of the PDP National Caucus elected not to discuss the issue at the 99th NEC meeting on May 27, instead agreeing to meet again on June 30.

Following the Supreme Court’s finding that the appointment of a party’s National Secretary is an internal matter, the party elevated its Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, to Acting National Secretary.

With this determination, Damagum notified INEC of the party’s decision to hold its 100th NEC meeting in Abuja on June 30.

The notification is in accordance with INEC regulations, which require a 21-day notice before any NEC meeting to decide on topics such as the National Secretary and others.

The Damagun’s letter to INEC, titled ‘Notice of 100th National Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party,’ read in part, “We write to formally inform and invite INEC that the leadership of our great party, PDP, has scheduled our 100th NEC meeting to hold on Monday, June 30, 2025 at our party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

“Please review this for the commission’s information and take the required measures. While we thank you for your continued cooperation, please acknowledge receipt of this letter and accept our best wishes.”

Meanwhile, INEC expressed worry on Tuesday about the PDP’s notice of its National Executive Committee meeting.

The development was transmitted in a letter dated June 13 and written to the party’s chairman, with reference number INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80 and headlined “RE: NOTICE OF THE 100TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY.”

The commission claimed that the provided notification did not follow its regulations.

INEC specifically highlighted Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which states that such notices must be signed by both the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

INEC, in a letter written by Acting Secretary Mathru Aminu, advised the PDP to ensure thorough compliance with its guidelines going forward.

“The commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice does not comply with the requirement of Part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, which states, ‘The National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference, or meeting and submit it to the Commission. “Be guided,” the message stated.

A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Bode George, said the meeting between the PDP Acting National Chairman and the governors and the INEC chairman on Wednesday could pave the way to settling the issue.

He stated, “INEC cannot claim to recognise Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary. Tomorrow (Wednesday), the PDP National Chairman will meet with the PDP Governors Forum and the INEC Chairman. INEC cannot determine who the PDP National Secretary is.

“If the Supreme Court has spoken on this topic, individuals should exercise extreme caution. If the Supreme Court stated that the question of a party’s secretary is internal to the party, what is INEC saying? Which has more power: INEC or the Supreme Court?

He advised the INEC chairman to exercise caution, saying, “I want to tell Prof Mahmood Yakubu, kadan kadan (tread softly). You can see what is happening to people who said there would be only one party in Nigeria. We have a Deputy National Secretary who is currently acting Secretary. Check out what they did in Gombe past weekend. That’s just the beginning. The PDP will never drop to such low level.

“Is INEC saying we don’t have a secretary anymore? Let us await the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting.”

Also speaking, Umar Bature, a member of the PDP National Working Committee and National Organising Secretary of the PDP, stated that the party’s next step should be to enable Anyanwu to continue to sign the NEC meeting notification.

“Allow Sen Anyanwu to sign (Notice of NEC meeting,” according to him.

Calls for convention.

Prior to the NEC meeting, PDP stakeholders cautioned that any attempt to remove Senator Anyanwu might jeopardise the party’s survival.

In a statement signed by its National Convener, Aminu Das Sadiq, the group urged party leaders on Tuesday to maintain peace, respect the rule of law, and enable Anyanwu to serve out his term, which expires in December.

The stakeholders emphasised that only a properly convened unity elective convention, in which members freely choose their leaders, can avert internal conflict and ensure the party’s stability.

The dispute revolves around an alleged attempt by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to depose Anyanwu, who is supported by Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, as PDP National Secretary, despite a Supreme Court order maintaining his status.

In their response, PDP stakeholders expressed profound worry that nearly a year after the controversy over the job of National Secretary began, the situation remained unresolved and has deteriorated dramatically.

“We also urge the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the NWC to promptly accept the Supreme Court’s and INEC’s authority in upholding Senator Anyanwu’s position. Anything less is a violation of the law and a serious threat to party discipline.

“We, the Peoples Democratic Party Concerned Stakeholders, therefore issue this solemn appeal: allow Senator Anyanwu to carry out the remainder of his legally assigned term. Let us have a legitimate unity elective convention and allow party members to democratically chose their future leaders. Anything else will result in anarchy,” PDP stakeholders stated.

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary, the group claimed that, despite the clear legal and institutional endorsements, certain vested interests are still pushing to forcefully remove him not only from his position but from the party entirely.

The PDP Stakeholders noted, “These initiatives violate not just the party’s constitution (2017 as amended), but also the collective wisdom that has previously assisted our party in navigating comparable crises. We must ask why this scenario is different. Why is due process being ignored? Why can’t they wait for a National Elective Convention to democratically propose amendments to the NWC? What message are we giving to our teeming supporters across the country if we no longer respect our constitution or judicial decisions?

“It is worth noting that in 2024, our party encountered a similar dilemma with the National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Barr Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN. That crisis, like this one, posed a threat to our party’s unity. But maturity prevailed. Our governors transcended partisanship, set aside personal aspirations, and embraced political solutions. Peace was restored by negotiation, diplomacy, and strict obedience to the party’s dispute resolution framework laws. The suspended officials were reinstated, and unity was maintained.

“So we ask again: why is Senator Anyanwu’s matter being handled differently? Why are certain governors and stakeholders suddenly unwilling to use previously successful reconciliation mechanisms? Why are they hesitant to obey the Supreme Court and uphold the PDP Constitution?

“Ignoring the Supreme Court’s decision and using a selective approach to conflict resolution is not only unfair, but also dangerous. It establishes a precedent in which personal ambition transcends party interests, judicial decisions are discarded at will, and loyalty is penalised rather than rewarded. If left unchecked, this crisis might be the PDP’s ruin ahead of crucial elections.

The group emphasised that Anyanwu, as a statutory NEC member, cannot be removed by illegitimate means, and that any action or notice from an unauthorised person acting as Secretary is null and void and has no credibility before INEC or the public.

The statement stated, “Senator Anyanwu has fewer than six months left as National Secretary. It is both politically foolish and ethically reprehensible to continue this witch-hunt and internal sabotage as he nears the end of his career.

“If there are differences regarding his performance or future objectives, they should be addressed at the next National Elective Convention. That is where democratic decisions are decided, not through backroom dealings and public humiliation.

“We are aware that some of those calling for his removal are motivated not by party interests, but by personal vanity and ambition. They perceive the position of National Secretary not as a party tool, but as a political trophy to be won. We warn that if this power battle is not stopped, it will cost us more than just a position; it may cost us the future of our great party.

“We must remind all stakeholders that Senator Anyanwu has the support of a significant portion of the party leadership, including governors, former governors, BoT leaders, NEC members, grassroots mobilisers, and even members of the National Assembly.” His dismissal, if done illegally with feelings, could result in an exodus of faithful party members, weakening our chances in next elections across multiple states, and the demise of the PDP. The PDP’s future cannot be sacrificed on the altar of vendetta.

“As committed party stakeholders, we urge the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and other governors, members of the BoT, NEC, and the South-East Caucus, to help de-escalate tensions and promote unity.

“We must all move away from this brinkmanship and adopt the path of peace. Let us remember that the PDP has surmounted many obstacles in the past by emphasising togetherness, and we can do so again.”