The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, following the outright rejection by 11 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the reinstatement of the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
This sharp division emerged just hours after the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced Anyanwu’s return to office and the postponement of the highly anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting initially scheduled for June 30, 2025.
Damagum, who made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday, admitted the decision was a “painful one.”
He further disclosed that a caucus meeting would now take place in place of the NEC meeting, a move he linked to recent engagements with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
However, the statement triggered swift backlash from key NWC members, who declared Damagum’s actions unconstitutional and beyond his powers.
In a joint statement signed by 11 top-ranking officials of the party, the NWC described Damagum’s announcements as “null and void,” insisting that the 100th NEC meeting would hold as planned.
The signatories include 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), and Hon. Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary).
Others are Dr. Woyengikuro Daniel (National Financial Secretary), High Chief Ali Odefa (National Vice Chairman, South East), Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi (Caretaker Committee Chairman, South South), Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm (National Woman Leader), Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo, and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese (National Vice Chairman, South West).
They stated: “The attention of the National Working Committee has been drawn to a press briefing by the Acting National Chairman wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting that fixed the 100th NEC meeting for June 30, 2025.”
They argued that no individual, organ, or group within the party has the authority to override a resolution of the NEC, which is the second-highest decision-making body of the PDP, after the National Convention.
“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation, as no organ of the party — including the NWC — can cancel, overrule, or vary the resolution of NEC under the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017),” the statement read.
They further described Damagum’s claim on Anyanwu’s reinstatement as “misleading,” pointing out that the matter was referred to the upcoming NEC meeting for deliberation and resolution.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled has not been cancelled or postponed and remains binding on all party members,” they emphasized.
The deepening rift comes amid long-standing power tussles within the PDP leadership, with critics alleging a gradual erosion of internal democracy and widening factional divisions that could affect the party’s preparations for the next electoral cycle.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
