Tension at PDP Secretariat as Staff Stage Walkout Over Anyanwu’s Return Attempt

High drama erupted on Monday at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja when party staff staged a mass walkout in protest of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s controversial attempt to reclaim his former position as National Secretary.

The dramatic scene unfolded just weeks after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary, a decision welcomed by workers at the Wadata Plaza headquarters. Anyanwu’s sudden appearance—reportedly accompanied by aides and alleged political thugs—was met not with confrontation but with a calculated, peaceful protest that effectively shut down operations at the party’s administrative heart.

Multiple insiders at the secretariat confirmed to Vanguard that Anyanwu made a bold entrance, heading directly to the National Secretary’s office in what many described as an “invasion.” The staff, however, chose non-violence, responding with unity and collective action.

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Staff Shut Down Operations in Protest

One visibly agitated staff member revealed, “Anyanwu and his people entered the building. It wasn’t just an attempt—they actually went straight into the National Secretary’s office with some of his aides.”

Rather than confront him directly or escalate tensions, employees across departments quickly agreed to down tools and walk out in protest. The building was soon deserted, leaving Anyanwu isolated within the office he sought to reclaim.

According to another eyewitness account, “We had all left our offices and walked out in protest. That firm action led to his exit. When he realised the atmosphere was hostile and there was no one left to work with, apart from the few people he came with, his aides advised him to leave, rather than remain in such an awkward situation.”

The protest was widely seen as a public vote of confidence in the NWC’s decision to appoint Koshoedo and a rejection of Anyanwu’s attempt to reassert himself through what staff described as an illegitimate route.

Internal Party Disputes Intensify

Monday’s incident shines a light on deepening rifts within the PDP ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections. While Anyanwu has not officially been expelled or suspended, his removal was part of a broader internal reorganization by the NWC—one that party workers insist followed due process.

In May, the PDP secretariat staff openly declared their support for the NWC leadership, emphasizing their commitment to party stability and unity. Their swift and coordinated response to Monday’s disruption reflects that loyalty.

Sources inside the party hinted that Anyanwu’s actions may have deeper implications. Murmurs are growing among staff and stakeholders that the senator, who once held a pivotal administrative role, could be acting as a “mole” working on behalf of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the PDP from within.

One senior official, speaking anonymously, stated: “This is not just about Anyanwu wanting his seat back. The way he stormed the office with people who clearly had no business there—it raises red flags. Some of us believe he’s working against the party.”

Calls for Disciplinary Action

The walkout has triggered calls for the PDP leadership to take formal disciplinary action against Anyanwu to prevent further unrest and maintain cohesion within the party structure. Several party members argue that if the party’s internal decisions are not respected, it could embolden other disgruntled figures to challenge leadership through forceful means rather than dialogue.

“The party needs to make it clear that decisions of the NWC are final unless overturned by convention or court,” said one member of the NWC. “We cannot allow individual ambition or hidden agendas to destabilize the work we’re doing ahead of 2027.”

The incident also underscores ongoing tensions between different factions within the PDP, particularly as the party prepares to reposition itself for the upcoming electoral contest. With public perception and internal discipline at stake, how the PDP leadership handles the fallout from this event could significantly influence the party’s unity moving forward.

What’s Next for PDP?

While calm has returned to the secretariat for now, Monday’s protest has laid bare the growing frustration among staff over political instability within the party’s top ranks. Party insiders suggest that further consultations and emergency meetings may be called to address the crisis and ensure that such disruptions do not repeat.

For Senator Anyanwu, the path back to relevance within the PDP now appears more fraught than ever. His failure to regain control of the secretariat may also weaken his standing among party loyalists and stakeholders wary of further distractions from the party’s rebuilding agenda.

As Nigeria’s political atmosphere heats up ahead of 2027, the PDP’s internal battles could prove just as decisive as its public campaigns.