ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening internal crisis as its leadership splits over the controversial reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and the scheduling of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for June 30, 2025.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum announced Anyanwu’s return during a press briefing, citing a Supreme Court judgment and recent consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Damagum also cancelled the June 30 NEC meeting, proposing an expanded caucus meeting instead.
Flanked by PDP heavyweights, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Damagum described the decision as difficult but necessary.
However, the announcement has sparked internal backlash. Key National Working Committee (NWC) members swiftly issued a counter-statement, insisting that the 100th NEC meeting will go ahead as planned. They also affirmed the legitimacy of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba’s earlier announcement about the meeting.
The rebuttal, signed by several senior NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, insisted that the June 30 date was unanimously agreed upon at the party’s 99th NEC meeting. They rejected Damagum’s unilateral action and maintained that the NEC remains the party’s highest decision-making body.
INEC had earlier rejected the party’s notice for the June 30 meeting due to a failure to comply with its guidelines requiring a joint signature from the National Chairman and National Secretary. However, INEC upheld the Supreme Court’s recognition of Anyanwu as the valid National Secretary.
The situation escalated when some NWC members accused Damagum of sidelining the committee in his decision-making. PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, criticised the move, calling it illegitimate and suspiciously rushed. He claimed that key governors, including those from Oyo, Osun, and Enugu States, were not consulted.
Former Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George expressed concern over the escalating tensions, warning that the discord could lead to serious fractures within the party. He withheld further comments pending consultation with governors.
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam accused PDP governors of complicity in a plot to weaken the party. He criticised Damagum’s handling of the situation and described the leadership’s actions as chaotic and intellectually bankrupt. Suswam also revealed that the party’s internal crisis has prompted him to consider alternative platforms, including the Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Adding to the drama, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike slammed the PDP leadership over its delay in enforcing the Supreme Court ruling. He accused Damagum of political and legal ignorance, saying Anyanwu’s role was never vacant and didn’t require INEC’s intervention. Wike condemned what he described as ego-driven decisions and misuse of party funds.
In a separate development, former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani urged opposition parties to resolve their internal problems instead of blaming President Bola Tinubu. He said on Channels Television that the opposition’s instability was self-inflicted and warned against looking to Tinubu to solve their internal disputes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed this view at a road commissioning event in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Akpabio said the president was saddened by the opposition’s disarray and stressed that a vibrant opposition is vital for democracy. He called on the PDP and Labour Party to put their houses in order, saying their current crises discredit their ability to lead.
Akpabio also took a swipe at the Labour Party for its internal divisions and welcomed Senator Imasuen’s defection to the APC, noting that more opposition figures may follow suit amid the ongoing turmoil.
As the June 30 NEC date approaches, the PDP’s internal divisions continue to widen, raising concerns about the party’s unity and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
