The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary during its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, June 30.
His reinstatement was unanimously adopted on the condition that he withdraws all pending court cases and refrains from obstructing preparations for the party’s upcoming national elective convention scheduled for August.
According to dependable sources within the PDP National Secretariat, party stakeholders—including governors, National Assembly members, and the Board of Trustees—reached a consensus to reinstate Anyanwu, provided he commits to peace within the party, works harmoniously with other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and avoids any victimisation of party staff.
Speaking to journalists after the NEC meeting, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, confirmed the decision and announced that the 101st NEC meeting will hold on July 23 to finalise arrangements for the national convention.
“I am here to brief you on the outcome of our interaction with NEC as regards the National Secretary. We were all together, and we all agreed that Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary,” Damagum said.
He further explained that the next NEC would allow for a joint signing by himself and Anyanwu, in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s regulatory requirements for convening meetings.
“So, to our detractors who thought this meeting would derail or be the end of the party, the beauty of the Peoples Democratic Party is that it is the only party in this country that has and knows the internal mechanism to solve its own problems and run freely,” he added.
Tensions within the party had deepened in recent weeks, following disagreements over the National Secretary position. The party had on June 24 written to INEC regarding the vacancy, further fueling division.
Earlier on Sunday, Damagum convened a meeting with key NWC members including Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Vice Chairman (North West), Senator Bello Gwarzo, where they reaffirmed their recognition of Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary. They also backed the holding of the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled.
However, a parallel faction within the party’s NWC held a separate meeting at Wadata Plaza the same day, opposing Anyanwu’s return. The group—led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and supported by several zonal and national officers—insisted on retaining Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary.
The growing power tussle reflects a larger division within the party. One faction, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and supported by governors from Enugu, Bayelsa, Osun, and Zamfara, firmly opposed Anyanwu’s return. The other faction, loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and backed by Governors of Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, and Bauchi States, supported Anyanwu’s reinstatement and advocated for a delay in the NEC meeting.
Following heated exchanges, the party’s key stakeholders, including governors, members of the NWC, and National Assembly members, held a crucial meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Monday. There, it was resolved that the 100th NEC meeting must proceed as scheduled by the 99th NEC.
A source familiar with the resolution disclosed: “It was a very intense meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, and Anyanwu was in attendance. After honest deliberations, it was firmly resolved that in line with the PDP Constitution, the appropriate meeting to hold today was the NEC meeting.
“It was also agreed that judging by INEC’s body language, the party could face serious consequences if Anyanwu is not recognised as the National Secretary.”
The source added that Anyanwu’s reinstatement came with strict conditions: he must withdraw all related court cases, must not interfere with the national convention process, and must not victimise any member of the party’s staff.
Representatives from the South East reportedly requested time to consult stakeholders in the region before giving a final position at the July 23 NEC meeting.
As the PDP moves towards its elective convention, party leaders say they are confidentY that internal mechanisms will hold the party together despite mounting tensions.
