North-South Rift Rocks PDP As Arapaja, Olugunagba Others Denounce Damagum

…Rejects Reinstatement Of Anyanwu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its most significant internal crisis in recent years as key members of the National Working Committee (NWC), largely from the South, have openly denounced the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, over what they describe as unconstitutional actions aimed at undermining the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

This comes after Damagum, during a press briefing on Wednesday declared the cancellation of the 100th NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, and announced the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary—a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from within the party.

In a strongly worded statement signed by 11 top party officials, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo, and National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the Southern bloc of the PDP rejected Damagum’s actions, describing them as a violation of the party’s constitution.

“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation,” the statement read. “No organ of the Party (including the NWC), individual, or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto, or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP.”

The leaders insisted that the NEC is the highest decision-making body in the party aside from the National Convention, and that its decision to hold the 100th meeting on June 30 stands firm.

“By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday 30th June, 2025 is binding on all Organs, Officers, Chapters and members of the Party,” the statement emphasized.

The statement also dismissed the purported reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, calling it misleading and contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting.

“The matter of the National Secretary was expressly referred to the 100th NEC meeting. Any announcement suggesting a reinstatement before then is preemptive and a clear violation of the party’s internal processes,” said Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary.

The statement added, “In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, 30th June, 2025 has not been canceled or postponed.”

The statement was co-signed by other top officials including:

Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer

Sir. Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – National Auditor

Woyengikuro Daniel, Ph.D – National Financial Secretary

High Chief Ali Odefa – National Vice Chairman (South East)

Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi – Caretaker Chairman (South South)

Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm – National Woman Leader

Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo

Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (South West)