PDP Reinstates Wike’s Ally Anyanwu as National Secretary Amid Leadership Dispute

In a bid to end months of internal conflict, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary. The decision, described as both “critical and difficult,” was announced on Wednesday by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, during a press briefing at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Damagum was joined by prominent party figures, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, underscoring the significance of the announcement. He cited legal and procedural pressures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a key factor in the decision.

“We have resolved that Samuel Anyanwu is resuming as the National Secretary,” Damagum declared. “It was a critical decision. Like INEC said, they don’t have our notice [for the NEC], so what we will have on June 30 is an extended Caucus.”

The party has also cancelled its scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, opting instead for an expanded Caucus session to chart a way forward and determine the appropriate timeline for a full NEC gathering.

INEC Pressure and Supreme Court Judgment

The move follows a high-level meeting between top PDP leaders and INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, held behind closed doors at the commission’s Abuja headquarters. While no official statement was released afterward, party insiders revealed that INEC urged compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming Anyanwu’s position.

“INEC made it clear that the Supreme Court ruling must be respected,” a party source said. “They told us that only communications signed by both the national chairman and secretary would be recognized moving forward.”

The leadership tussle over the secretary role dates back to Senator Anyanwu’s 2023 gubernatorial bid in Imo State, which he lost. During his campaign absence, the PDP South East Caucus appointed Sunday Udeh-Okoye—former National Youth Leader—as acting secretary. Upon returning, Anyanwu attempted to reclaim the position, sparking opposition from South East Zonal leaders, notably Chief Ali Odefa.

Legal Battle and Court Decisions

A December 2024 Court of Appeal ruling in Enugu favored Udeh-Okoye, but Anyanwu challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court. The apex court later overturned the lower court’s decision, asserting that party leadership matters should be guided by internal party supremacy.

Despite the ruling, divisions within the PDP persisted, prompting party governors to back Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as an interim measure to bridge the leadership gap.

Strategic Moves Ahead of 2027 Elections

With the 2027 general elections looming, the PDP faces mounting pressure to resolve internal disputes and rebuild party unity. Analysts say the leadership instability has hindered the party’s ability to present a cohesive opposition front.

Following Anyanwu’s reinstatement, further strategy meetings were held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. Discussions reportedly focused on consolidating the party’s leadership and avoiding further friction with INEC.

Party leaders are hopeful that restoring Anyanwu will help stabilize the National Working Committee and re-energize the PDP as it prepares for future electoral battles.