The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil following a controversial move by Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to reinstate Sena...
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil following a controversial move by Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to reinstate Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary and convert the long-awaited 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting into an expanded caucus session.
The decision has sparked outrage within the party, deepening internal divisions and triggering sharp criticisms from the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Working Committee (NWC), who insist that the NEC meeting must proceed as scheduled.
At the heart of the dispute is a power tussle between opposing camps within the party: one loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, backing Anyanwu’s reinstatement; and another aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, supporting Acting Secretary Arc. Setonji Koshoedo.
The crisis escalated after a Supreme Court ruling on March 21, 2025, in the case of Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu v. Aniagwu Emmanuel & 3 Ors. (SC/CV/18/2025), which failed to resolve the leadership conflict, referring it as an internal party matter.
Damagum’s attempt to cancel the NEC meeting and unilaterally reinstate Anyanwu has been described by several PDP leaders as unconstitutional and a grave violation of the party's internal processes.
“Damagum’s unilateral reinstatement of Anyanwu is a blatant violation of the PDP constitution and an affront to the NEC’s authority, which explicitly deferred this decision to the 100th meeting,” an NWC member told Vanguard.
In a firm response, the BoT, through its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, condemned Damagum’s actions, reiterating that the NEC — the highest decision-making body after the National Convention — must be respected.
“The resolution of the NEC at its 99th meeting to hold its 100th meeting on June 30, 2025, is binding on all organs and members of the PDP. Any attempt to subvert this process is unacceptable,” Wabara said.
He reaffirmed that Setonji Koshoedo remains the Acting National Secretary, and described Damagum’s reversal of the NWC’s earlier decision as a gross abuse of office.
Party chieftain Bode George also weighed in, dismissing assertions that Nyesom Wike owns or controls the party.
“That’s a fallacy. PDP is not Wike’s property. He joined the party like everyone else. When the NEC meets, it will take decisive actions on those who have destabilised the party,” George stated on Arise Television.
Insiders say the ongoing crisis is driven by factional interests ahead of the party’s August National Convention and crucial elections in the FCT. A PDP member close to Damagum argued that reinstating Anyanwu was necessary to meet INEC’s legal requirements.
“INEC insists on the secretary’s signature for us to proceed with FCT elections. Cancelling the NEC was strategic, not political,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing on Anyanwu’s suit seeking to validate his claim to the office until September 22, 2025. His lawyer, Mrs. U.C. Njamanze-Aku, said they were seeking to amend the originating summons, while the defendants, including the PDP and INEC, challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
As the PDP battles growing distrust and power play within its ranks, many party elders have called for urgent reconciliation.
“This crisis is tearing the PDP apart at a time Nigeria needs a strong opposition. If the NEC meeting doesn’t unite us, we’re handing our opponents a free pass,” said one party insider.
Whether the scheduled NEC meeting on June 30 will resolve these escalating tensions remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the PDP faces a defining test of its internal democracy and survival.
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