The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary following the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
Announcing the development after the meeting, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, affirmed Anyanwu’s reinstatement and disclosed that the 101st NEC meeting has been scheduled for July 23, 2025. This next meeting is expected to finalise arrangements for the party’s forthcoming national convention.
The PDP has faced deepening internal crises since the 2023 general elections, with disputes severely affecting party leadership and cohesion. The tension intensified after the party leadership wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 24 regarding the position of National Secretary.
On Sunday, Damagum held a strategic meeting at Wadata Plaza with key National Working Committee (NWC) members including Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Vice Chairman (North West) Senator Bello Gwarzo. They unanimously reaffirmed support for Anyanwu and the planned NEC meeting.
However, a rival NWC faction also convened at the party headquarters the same day. This group, comprising Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, and others such as Setonji Koshoedo—who claimed the role of Acting National Secretary—insisted that Koshoedo remain in the position.
The division underscores a broader power tussle within the PDP. One camp, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and backed by Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), has strongly opposed Anyanwu’s return.
Another faction, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and supported by Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and others, fully supports Anyanwu and sought a delay in the NEC meeting.
The conflicting meetings scheduled by both factions escalated the situation, prompting security agencies to cordon off Wadata Plaza. In response, PDP governors, NWC members, Board of Trustees representatives, and National Assembly members held an emergency meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge.
Following consensus, the NEC meeting proceeded as originally scheduled. By 3 p.m., party leaders reconvened at Wadata Plaza.
Speaking after the session, Damagum assured that the PDP remains capable of resolving internal disputes. He declared that “the beauty of the PDP is its strong internal mechanisms,” and reiterated that Anyanwu will continue in his role, while arrangements for the July convention will proceed as planned.