Tensions Rise Within PDP as INEC Endorses Wike Ally as National Secretary
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces renewed internal strife after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, as the party’s legitimate National Secretary.
This confirmation was delivered to the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday by a fact-finding panel led by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas. The three-member panel, which also included Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), was tasked with verifying Anyanwu’s status with INEC.
INEC Affirms Anyanwu’s Position Amid Legal Backing
Sources at the NEC meeting, who requested anonymity, revealed that INEC’s recognition of Anyanwu is grounded in a Supreme Court ruling. The commission reportedly emphasized that Anyanwu remains the official National Secretary unless removed through a formal process, which includes giving INEC a 21-day prior notice and following constitutional procedures.
Given this, PDP leadership has postponed any decision on his removal until June 30, when another NEC meeting will be convened to meet the required legal and procedural benchmarks.
Internal Conflict Deepens Over Wike’s Influence
The development is expected to intensify internal disputes, particularly between party leadership and Minister Wike, who recently accused party figures—particularly Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah—of violating reconciliation agreements. In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Rivers governor announced his withdrawal from peace talks aimed at resolving the crisis.
In response, a reconciliation committee headed by ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki held an emergency meeting with party stakeholders on Sunday night, though its outcome remains unclear.
The PDP has been grappling with numerous internal rifts—ranging from disputes in Rivers State to issues with zonal congresses in the South-East, South-South, and North-Central—leading to a fractured leadership structure.
NEC Meeting Turns Contentious
The 99th NEC meeting, which followed marathon consultations at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, began at noon on Tuesday but quickly descended into chaos. A member from the South-East zone challenged the legitimacy of the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ali Odefa, citing his alleged suspension via a court ruling.
Jones Onyereri, Anyanwu’s former running mate in the Imo State governorship race, supported the claim, calling for Odefa to be disqualified from participating in party decisions. The meeting’s leadership, however, asked him to submit a formal petition for consideration at the June 30 session.
Committee Report: Anyanwu Still in Office Legally
According to the fact-finding committee’s report, which was obtained by this outlet, INEC has made it clear that Anyanwu cannot be replaced until proper constitutional steps are followed.
The report, based on Governor Mbah’s engagement with INEC officials, noted:
INEC still officially recognizes Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
There is no vacancy in the position unless Anyanwu is removed through party constitutional means.
A 21-day notice must be given to INEC for any meeting concerning removal or replacement of a party official.
All procedures must comply with both the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The committee further recommended that the NEC formally acknowledge and deliberate on the South-East caucus’s petition at the June 30 meeting, in hopes of stabilizing the party’s structure in the region.
NEC Resolutions and Convention Planning
In a communiqué delivered by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, the NEC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and due process.
Key takeaways from the meeting include:
Ratification of the National Convention Planning Committee, which will oversee the convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025.
Approval of the Zoning Committee for national offices, chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Acknowledgment of the South-East Zonal Executive’s resolution on the national secretary position, with a commitment to revisit it at the next NEC meeting.
Despite recent defections—including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC—the PDP leadership maintains that the successful convening of the 99th NEC demonstrates the party’s resilience.
However, with influential figures like Wike pulling away and regional tensions mounting, the road to unity ahead of the 2025 National Convention remains steep.
