The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, as 11 out of 19 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have firmly rejected the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
In a strongly worded joint statement released on Wednesday, the majority NWC members also refuted claims by Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, that the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Monday, June 30, 2025, had been cancelled. They insisted that no one, including Damagum, has the authority to override NEC resolutions.
“The claim by Amb. Damagum that Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the Party is misleading and contrary to the resolution of NEC,” the statement read.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention.”
This response directly contradicts earlier statements made by Damagum during a press briefing following a visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he appeared alongside top party leaders such as Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Damagum had announced Anyanwu’s return and claimed the NEC meeting would be replaced by an Expanded Caucus meeting.
However, the NWC majority bloc, now dubbed the “NWC 11,” emphasized that the 100th NEC meeting would go on as planned, stating that no organ, official, or subgroup within the party can cancel or alter NEC’s decisions as enshrined in the PDP Constitution (2017 amendment).
NWC Members Opposing Anyanwu’s Return:
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Amb. Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South)
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Hon. Setonji Koshoedo – Acting National Secretary
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Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer
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Sir Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel – National Auditor
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Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary
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Dr. Woyengikuro Daniel – National Financial Secretary
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High Chief Ali Odefa – National Vice Chairman (South-East)
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Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi – Caretaker Chair (South-South)
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Hon. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader
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Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo – National Vice Chairman (North-West)
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Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (South-West)
This latest development underscores the widening rift within the party’s leadership and raises questions about the unity and stability of the PDP ahead of crucial national and state elections.
