The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday resolved a major leadership crisis by reinstating Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary following a unanimous decision at its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The reinstatement was conditional, requiring Anyanwu to withdraw all legal actions against the party and refrain from interfering in preparations for the party’s elective convention scheduled for August.
The decision came after extensive deliberations among governors, members of the National Assembly, and the Board of Trustees. According to sources within the PDP national headquarters, the agreement also included assurances that Anyanwu would not intimidate party staff and would work harmoniously with the National Working Committee. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, while addressing journalists after the NEC meeting in Abuja, confirmed that Anyanwu had officially resumed his role and that the 101st NEC meeting would be held on July 23 to finalise arrangements for the upcoming convention.
Tensions within the party had escalated significantly since the 2023 general election, with rival factions contesting the position of National Secretary. The conflict intensified after the PDP leadership notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 24 regarding the status of the position. Ahead of Monday’s NEC meeting, Damagum convened a strategy session on Sunday at the party’s headquarters, Wadata Plaza, with Anyanwu and other senior officials, including National Organising Secretary Umar Bature and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), to affirm their support for the NEC and recognise Anyanwu as the rightful Secretary.
On the same day, a separate group within the NWC held a parallel meeting, opposing Anyanwu’s reinstatement and backing Setonji Koshoedo to continue in an acting capacity. This group included Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, South East Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, and other key officers. The division underscored the deeper power struggle within the party, with one camp aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and another with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike.
The situation reached a breaking point Monday morning when security operatives sealed off Wadata Plaza, preventing the scheduled Board of Trustees meeting from holding at the venue. The meeting was relocated to the Yar’Adua Centre, where BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara and Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi condemned the blockade as a calculated move to derail internal reconciliation efforts. Makarfi stated that the interference was unacceptable and a threat to the democratic process, while Wabara described it as a humiliating experience that should not be repeated.
Despite the disruption, the PDP leadership regrouped quickly, holding an emergency session at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge. At that meeting, it was resolved that the NEC session must go ahead in line with party procedures. By mid-afternoon, party leaders arrived at Wadata Plaza to proceed with the scheduled NEC. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Damagum stressed the PDP’s ability to self-correct and reaffirmed that Anyanwu would continue as National Secretary. He added that preparations for the national convention were underway and that the party remained united.
He stated that both he and Anyanwu would sign the relevant documentation to satisfy INEC’s legal requirements. “The PDP is not falling apart as some may think. We’ve proven yet again that we have internal mechanisms strong enough to resolve our own issues,” Damagum said. He also noted that the meeting was attended by all PDP governors and all members of the NWC, an indication of consensus and cohesion. A party source confirmed that Anyanwu’s reinstatement was strategic, aimed at preserving party unity and avoiding regulatory consequences. “INEC’s position was clear, and delaying recognition of Anyanwu could have had serious implications,” the source said.
With Monday’s NEC decision, the PDP has managed to momentarily put its leadership feud behind it. The focus now shifts to preparing for the convention and presenting a unified platform ahead of the 2027 elections.