PDP Reinstates Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary Amid Power Struggles and Reconciliation Drive

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary. This development came during the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously agreed to reinstate Anyanwu under specific conditions designed to safeguard party unity and ensure a smooth national elective convention in August.

According to reliable sources within the party’s National Headquarters, the agreement hinged on Anyanwu’s commitment to withdraw all legal proceedings against the party, avoid interference in the upcoming convention, and maintain harmony within the National Working Committee (NWC). The conditions were supported by governors, members of the National Assembly, and the Board of Trustees (BoT), all of whom emphasized the need for a united front amid lingering internal disputes.

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Anyanwu’s Reinstatement Sparks Hope and Tensions

Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, confirmed to the media that Senator Anyanwu had been reinstated and would resume his role immediately. He also announced that the 101st NEC meeting was scheduled for July 23, where arrangements for the national convention would be finalized.

Despite this consensus, deep divisions still linger within the party. A factional crisis unfolded on Sunday and Monday, when parallel meetings were held by opposing blocs of the NWC. The pro-Anyanwu faction included Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and other key figures. This group reaffirmed their support for Anyanwu and insisted on proceeding with an expanded National Caucus meeting.

Meanwhile, a rival faction of the NWC led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and other zonal leaders expressed firm opposition to Anyanwu’s return. They backed Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo and insisted the NEC meeting proceed under his watch.

The split, observers noted, highlights a broader power tussle within the PDP, with state governors and influential leaders aligning themselves on different sides. On one side stands Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside Governors from Enugu, Bayelsa, Osun, and Zamfara, opposing Anyanwu. On the other, former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and allies, including Governors from Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, and Bauchi, supported the reinstated secretary.

BoT Condemns Police Action, Urges Unity

Tensions escalated further on Monday when security operatives cordoned off the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza. This forced the Board of Trustees to relocate its meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The action was condemned by BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara and Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who described it as a violation of democratic norms and an attempt to derail the party’s internal reconciliation process.

Wabara called the police presence an insult to the party’s dignity and democratic rights, while Makarfi emphasized that such intimidation tactics only strengthened their resolve to restore unity.

“I was shocked at what I saw. I had to instruct my driver to turn around—it was that embarrassing,” Wabara told reporters. “But we must remain patient and focused on rebuilding our party.”

Makarfi added that Monday’s meeting, which included governors and top party stakeholders, was crucial in bridging existing gaps and ensuring the NEC convened in solidarity.

Emergency Meeting Reaffirms NEC Authority

Following the chaotic events at Wadata Plaza, the PDP leadership convened an emergency meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge. Attendees included state governors, NWC members, BoT officials, and National Assembly members. During the meeting, it was resolved that the 100th NEC meeting should proceed as earlier mandated by the 99th NEC.

By 3 p.m. Monday, party leaders arrived at Wadata Plaza to formally conduct the NEC meeting. Damagum, in a post-meeting briefing, emphasized the party’s resilience and its ability to navigate internal crises.

“We have agreed that Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary,” he said. “We also agreed to convene the next NEC on July 23, which will allow both myself and Senator Anyanwu to sign off on official convention notices, as required by INEC.”

Damagum stressed that the PDP’s internal mechanisms are robust and capable of resolving all disputes without external interference.

Conditional Unity

Despite the factional tug-of-war, sources confirmed that Anyanwu’s reinstatement was a product of compromise. “It was a very intense meeting,” one insider disclosed. “But it became clear that failing to reinstate Anyanwu—who holds legal authority per the PDP Constitution—might draw negative attention from INEC.”

To safeguard the party’s interests and future legitimacy, leaders agreed on a unified NEC meeting that acknowledged Anyanwu’s role. In return, he pledged not to take retaliatory actions or undermine party cohesion.

As the PDP gears up for its August convention, all eyes are on how both camps manage their fragile truce. Analysts believe that unity, more than anything else, will determine whether the party can rebound from post-election setbacks and present itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.