THE internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) publicly rejected recent decisions by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and affirmed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30 will proceed as planned.
Damagum had earlier announced a postponement of the NEC meeting and the reinstatement of embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
However, the BoT, in a statement signed by its chairman and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, declared these actions unconstitutional and void.
Describing Damagum’s moves as a “gross violation of party constitutional order,” the BoT maintained that NEC remains the party’s supreme decision-making body—second only to the national convention—and that no individual has the authority to alter its resolutions.
The BoT emphasized that the NEC’s 99th meeting had already fixed June 30, 2025, for the party’s 100th NEC session and that this decision is binding. “No person or group can cancel, postpone, or modify this meeting. The acting chairman overstepped his bounds,” the BoT said.
On the issue of Anyanwu’s status, the BoT also rejected his reinstatement, citing conflict with party constitution, a Supreme Court ruling, and a prior NEC directive. “The directive for the Deputy National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, to act remains valid,” the statement said, urging party members to dismiss contrary instructions.
Divided NWC and Power Struggles
The rift has split the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), BoT, and Governors’ Forum into factions loyal to either Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde or FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, both of whom are vying for control ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde’s camp is pushing for the NEC meeting to go ahead and supports Anyanwu’s removal. Wike’s faction backs the embattled secretary’s reinstatement and postponement of the NEC gathering.
Sources reveal that despite being a PDP member, Wike is quietly supporting APC’s President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, while Makinde is seen as a potential PDP presidential candidate for 2027.
Within the NWC, 11 members back Makinde’s camp, including Deputy Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, Acting Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Treasurer Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, and Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. Conversely, Damagum’s loyalists include Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Youth Leader Suleiman Kadade.
Six NWC deputies aligned with Wike condemned the opposing camp, urging internal reconciliation: “War among brothers has no winner,” they said, while expressing support for a unified NEC caucus meeting.
Saraki-led Committee’s Strategy
Insiders within the reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki revealed that backing Anyanwu’s return was a tactical move to ensure legal recognition of the party’s leadership structure.
According to one source, INEC would not recognize any official communication unless it was jointly signed by both the national chairman and the valid national secretary—identified as Anyanwu. The move, the source said, was essential to avoid disqualification in the 2027 general election and upcoming FCT polls.
INEC Clarifies Legal Requirements
INEC spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed that under Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties must notify the Commission 21 days in advance of major meetings such as NEC sessions. Such notice must be jointly signed by both the national chairman and national secretary for it to be valid.
He added that INEC is required to monitor such meetings to ensure compliance with the law and the party’s constitution.
Court Sets September 22 for Hearing
In a related legal battle over the national secretary position, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a definitive hearing for September 22. The case, previously before Justice Inyang Ekwo, was reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar after Anyanwu sought to amend his initial application.
The suit, originally filed in February, sought to prevent INEC from recognizing any PDP correspondence not signed by Anyanwu. Several key party figures have since been joined in the matter, and the outcome could further shape the party’s internal dynamics.