The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT, as its substantive National Secretary, in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
Anyanwu’s return comes as part of moves to end a sour point triggering internal wrangling in the opposition PDP.
The decision was reached during the party’s 100th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held at the party’s National Secretariat.
Briefing journalists after the session, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, emphasised that the meeting had a single agenda: to review the outcome of the party’s recent engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the matter.
He described as “painful” the final decision to bow to the Supreme Court
“As you can see, we just rose from our 100th NEC meeting. This meeting was a one-agenda meeting, which is to discuss the outcome of our interaction with INEC as regards to the National Secretary,” Damagum said.
He confirmed that the NEC unanimously resolved that Senator Anyanwu should continue in his role as National Secretary.
He also announced that the party’s much-anticipated national convention had been deferred to the next NEC meeting, now scheduled for July 23, 2025.
Damagum assured members that the rescheduled convention would strictly adhere to INEC regulations, with official notices to be jointly signed by him and Senator Anyanwu.
“We all combined in one effort. We were all together, and we all agreed that Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary,” he stated.
Addressing concerns that the meeting might mark a new low for the party, Damagum dismissed such speculation as baseless. He pointed to the full attendance of PDP governors and key stakeholders as a clear indication of unity and institutional strength.
“To our detractors who thought this meeting would be incongruous and mark the end of the party, the beauty of the PDP is that we know how to solve our problems. We are free and united,” he said.
The Acting National Chairman also signalled an end to the recent wave of public dissent and contradictory press releases within the party, saying the NEC’s decision marked a new chapter of cohesion and forward planning.
Present at the meeting were Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
Also in attendance were Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, Senator Abba Moro of Benue South, former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, and Professor Jerry Gana, a senior party figure and former Minister.
Others present included PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; Ude Okoye, a notable PDP national officer; and Eddy Olafeso, former PDP Vice Chairman (South West).
Chief Ali Odefa, the PDP National Vice Chairman for the South East, was also at the meeting, alongside Senator Ben Ndi Obi, a former Presidential Adviser; Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President; and Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman.
Also present were former Minister Josephine Anenih, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former lawmaker Jones Onyereri from Imo State, Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Furthermore, Damagum cautioned party members against actions that could harm the party’s unity, image, and credibility.
“If you truly love this party, now is the time to channel your energy into promoting its strengths and values rather than undermining it — unless you are among those contracted to destroy our party. Let me be clear: enough is enough,” Damagum said.
On Anyanwu’s reabsorption, Damagum said a difficult but necessary decision had been taken.
“It was a painful one. I will not delve into details now, but we will speak further when the time is right,” he added.
He dismissed rumours that the meeting was an extended caucus gathering, clarifying it was a constitutionally-mandated NEC meeting focused on compliance.
“This is our NEC, and we are focusing on one key agenda item to maintain regulatory compliance and avoid complications,” he explained.
Damagum also warned of attempts by outsiders to stir trouble within the party.
“I urge party faithful to refrain from arbitrarily demarketing our party. Our strength lies in our ability to resolve issues internally,” he said.
He promised transparency and unity, adding that the NEC meeting’s outcome would be made public through a media briefing.
