The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated dramatically as 11 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have publicly rejected the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that on Wednesday, June 25, Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman, announced Anyanwu’s return to office, describing it as a “painful but necessary” decision.
He also declared the postponement of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally slated for June 30, 2025.
Damagum’s announcements followed a high-level engagement between PDP leaders and INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. However, cracks in party unity deepened just hours later.
In a sharp rebuttal, 11 NWC members declared Damagum’s decisions null and void, insisting he lacked the constitutional authority to override a previous NEC resolution.
“The Acting National Chairman cannot cancel, overrule, or vary resolutions passed by NEC. The PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) is clear on this,” the group stated.
The rejection was signed by key figures within the party, including:
Amb. Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South)
Hon. Setonji Koshoedo – Acting National Secretary
Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer
Sir. Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – National Auditor
Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary
Others include:
Dr. Woyengikuro Daniel – National Financial Secretary
High Chief Ali Odefa – Vice Chairman (South East)
Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi – Caretaker Chair (South South)
Hon. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader
Sen. Hayatu Bello Gwarzo and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – Vice Chair (South West).
The dissident NWC members emphasized that the 100th NEC meeting set for June 30 remains in place, referencing Section 31 (3) of the party’s constitution which states that NEC decisions are binding on all organs of the party—second only to the National Convention.
“No organ, officer, or group can override a NEC resolution,” the statement clarified.
They accused Damagum of acting unilaterally and claimed his actions were not backed by any formal decision within the NWC or other statutory body of the party.
The party’s leadership now finds itself caught in a deepening power struggle, with possible legal and constitutional implications ahead of the scheduled NEC meeting.
Anyanwu’s controversial reinstatement has already reopened old wounds, with his opponents insisting that his fate should be decided only by the full NEC, as earlier resolved during its 99th session.
As the date for the 100th NEC draws closer, insiders warn the PDP may face another leadership showdown that could threaten its unity ahead of upcoming national elections.
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